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■CRUSADING FOR RIGHT 

Symbolizing 

The American Soldier 



J>tS. V Raphael 
- page 591) 




General John J. Pershing 
(Regular Army, of Missouri). 



AMERICA IN BATTLE 

r>,i GUIDE TO THE AMERICAN BATTLEFIELDS 

IN 
FRANCE AND BELGIUM 

BY 

Colonel JaS. A. MoSS 

Colonel Harry S. Howland 

Umted St&tes Army 



DISl'RIBUTORS FOR AMERICA: 
Geo. Banta Publishing Co., Menasha, Wisconsin. 

DISTRIBUTORS FOR EUROPE : 
Souvenir Shop, H, Rue de Castiglione, Paris. 



i>^-J> 



SOURCES CONSULTED 

In tlse preparation of this book the principal sou 
consulted were the official Operations Report 
the General Staff, American Expeditionary Foi 
circulars and memoranda issued by the Visit 
Bureau of the Army, and the excellent artic 
published in "The Stars and Stripes", by Capti. 
Joseph M. Hanson, Historical Section, Gene 
Headquarters, American Expeditionary Forces. 



H 



COPYRIGHT 1920 

By 

Colonel J AS. A. Moss 

Colonel Harry S. Howland 

All rights of reproduction, adaptation or translation, 

in whole or in part, arc reserved in France, England, 

the United States and all other countries. 

JUL -a !y20 



II 

©lU1nt3891 



/o 



DEDICATED 

TO 

THE MEMORY OF THE AMERICAN SOLDIERS 
WHO FOLLOWED THE FLAG "OVER THE TOP 

Into that realm where battle 

flags are furled 

And war drums throb 

no longer. 



Id 








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TRANSLATION 

OF 

MARSHAL PETAIN'S LETTER 



March 19th, 1920. 

My dear Colonel, 

I have read with interest the book that you 
and Colonel Howland have written on the battle 
action in France of the American troops, v^hose 
qualities of endurance, discipline and courage 
I greatly admired and valued. 

The comradeship that existed between Amer- 
ican and French soldiers \vill continue, and the 
memory of those v^ho fell upon the same fields 
of battle will perpetuate between the two 
Nations sentiments of sincere friendship and 
cordial affection. 

Pilgrims of all the Allied nations coming to 
visit the scenes w^here the greatest drama of 
history v^as enacted, will salute with the same 
veneration the *^Poilus" of France and the 
'* Doughboys" of America v^ho fought side by 
side for the same ideals and with the same faith. 

Believe me, my dear Colonel, 

Very sincerely. 

Ph. Petain. 

To Colonel J. A. Moss, 
Paris. 



vni 



CONTENTS 

Pages 

f General Pershing to Marshal Foch . .... 1 

First Encounters With the Enemy : — 

Seicheprey 2 

Cantigny 3-9 

Chateau Thierry - Soissons - Mame - Vesle 

Campaign ("Drama of the Marne"). . . . 9-150 

Chateau Thierry's Gratitude to America . . 151 

Reduction of St. Mihiel Salient 152-210 

Meuse-Argonne Offensive 211-414 

With the French West of the Argonne. ... 41 5-426 

Operations West of the Moselle 427-437 

With the British from the Scheldt Canal to 

the Sambre 438-455 

Operations in Belgium 456-482 

Epilogue 483-486 

APPENDIX 

Where the Americans Fought in France and 

Belgium 487-491 

Pilgrimages to American Battlefields . . . . 492-542 

Commandmg Generals and Insignia of Ar- 
mies and Corps .^43-547 

Brief Historical Sketches of the Divisions 

Which Were in France 548-578 

Units of Divisions Which Were in France . . 579-583 

^ American Cemeteries 584-589 

'f (See Index at back oJ hoo\j 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Crusading for Right", , ,. ..(Frontispiece). 

laeneral John J, Pershing, Regular Army, of Missouri 

(Following Frontispiece) 

Marshal Foch . . (Following Prologue) \ 

Lieut. Gen. Hunter Liggett, Regular Army, of Pennsylvania. . . 1 *^ 

Qiateau Thierry 15 

Refugees fleeing before advancing Germans 16 

American soldiers on their way to Chateau Thierry 32 

On the road to Chateau Thierry 33 

Maj. Gen. James G. Harbord, Regular Army, of Illinois . . . , 48 

Forester's Lodge in Belleau Woods . . . , . . 49 

Marshal Petain .. .. 160 

Americans entering captured town In St. Mihiel Salient 161 

Bringing up ammunition in St. Mihiel attack 1 76 

American troops advancing to take position in firing line . . 1 77 

General Gouraud 224 

Advancing through a gas attack during the Mcuse-Argonne 

Offensive 225 ^ . 

American tanks advancing in Argonne Forest 24(y 

Lieut. General R. L. Bullard, Regular Army, of Alabama .. . . 241 
One of the American 14-inch guns used in Meuse-Argonne 

Offensive 336 

American Doughboys" entering Varennes . . . . 337 

German prisoners taken In Meuse-Argonne Offensive 400 

Brig.Gen.H.H.Bandholtz, Regular Army, of Michigan 401 

America Victorious, Marching Under Arch of Triumph. , . . . 484. ■ 

General Pershing and Staff Passing Under Arch of Triumph. . . 485 

American Soldiers Passing Victoriously Under Arch of Triumph . . 485 



PROLOGUE 



Imbued with the Spirit of Christianity, the 
Crusaders went forth to redeem the Holy Land. 
So too did American soldiers, crusading for Liberty 
and Justice, go forth to aid in redeeming the World 
from Prussian Militarism. 

For ages Pilgrims, in reverence and in memory of 
the deeds of the Crusaders, have made their way to 
the Holy Land. So too, in reverence and in 
memory of the deeds of their countrymen, are our 
people to-day visiting the American battlefields of 
France and Belgium, on a pilgrimage to a new Holy 
Land, made theirs by the sacrifices of their kindred. 

Let us remember then, that it was the Spirit of 
America that brought our soldiers to these battlefields, 
to suffer untold hardships ; some to go through the 
Inferno of War alive, biit to live forever maimed ; 
others to die, and in dying, to lay down their lives 
in a foreign land, — their blood imperishably con- 
secrating its soil. 

So, wherever in France and Belgium lies the grave 
of an American soldier, lies too a spot that is forever 
America, 



tt 




Marshal Foch 

The Great French Allied Commander-in-Chief 

Under Whose Supreme Command 

The Americans Fought. 



'Photo 'Braun. 'Paris) 




Lieut.-Gen, Hunter Liggett 
(Regular Army, of Pennsylvania) 

Commanded First American Corps, First American Army, and Army 
of Occupation in Germany 



Americans Part in Battle 



General Pershing to Marshal Foch 

In the Spring of 1918, with the Allied lines retiring 
before each drive of the great German offensive, the 
outlook for the Allies was decidedly gloomy. With 
a wedge driven between the British and French armies 
near Amiens and a deep cut into the British front at 
Kemmel Hill, the Germans were threatening the 
Allies with a Waterloo. 

In these dark moments, General Pershing made a 
decision fraught with momentous consequences. It 
meant to him the postponement, possibly the 
abandonment, of carefully made and cherished plans 
for an American Army battling on its own ground 
against the enemy as a distinct unit under American 
division, corps, and army commanders. It meant, 
probably, the distribution and scattering of his force 
along the entire Western Front, to fight, perhaps, 
under British and French generals. It meant 
practically giving up his own command, except in 
name, but General Pershing, realizing the paramount 
needs of the moment and the tremendous and fatal 
consequences to the World of German victory, made, 
on the morning of March 28th, a hurried call on 
Marshal Foch, whom he found lin the garden of his 
headquarters at Clermont (Oise). 



FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH ENEMY 



In the following words, which thrilled the Allied 
World, General Pershing expressed — 

The Spirit of America 

"I have come to tell you that the American people would 
consider it a great^ honor for our troops to be engaged in the 
present battle; I ask you for this in their name and my own, 

"There is at this moment no other question than that of fighting. 
Infantry, cavalry, aviation, all that we have is yours; use it as you 
wish. More will come, in numbers equal to requirements. 

"I have conrie especially to tell you that the American people 
will be proud to take part in the greatest battle in history ". 

When this historical incident took place, our troops 
were in the trenches with the Allies gaining experience 
of the enemy in minor local combats such as patrolling 
in " No Man's Land, " trench raids, and other actions, 
which gave American soldiers their -^ 

FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH THE ENEMY 

Most important of these local combats was that of 
SEICHEPREY, in the ST. MIHIEL sector where, 
on April 20th, 1918, the Germans launched a sur- 
prise attack upon the 26th (** Yankee" ) Division. 
(National Giiard of Massachusetts, Connecticut, 
Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. 
Major-General C. R. Edwards, Regular Army, of 
Ohio, commanding. See page 579 for regiments 
and other units composing division.) 

Fight at Seicheprey 

Cutting off SEICHEPREY by a box barrage thrown 
around it, the Germans succeeded in taking most of 
thp village and capturing a number of American 
prisoners. However, the following day (April 21 ) the 
town was reoccupied by our troops, the enemy having 
withdrawn to his formsr lines. In this local affair 
the German attack drove home a salutary lesson of 



CANTIGNY 



the necessity of being constantly prepared and able 
to meet a formidable foe in the hard fighting that lay 
ahead of the American forces. 

CAPTURE OF CANTIGNY 
First American Division to Enter Battle 

It is a coincidence that the first American division 
to give battle as a divisional unit was the 1st Division. 
(Regular troops. Major-General R. L. Bullard, Regu- 
lar Army, of Alabama, commanding. See page 579 
for regiments and other units composing division.) 

Following a period of training behind the lines and 
in the tranches of a quiet sector in the region of 
Toul, the 1st Division was by an order of the French 
High Command transferred on April 25th, 1918, to 
the important sector in the Allied lines fronting 
CANTIGNY, a few kilometers northwest of MONT- 
DIDIER and 25 kilometers southwest of AMIENS, -;- 
the goal for which the Germans had striven in their 
efforts to separate the British and French armies. 
Here American troops were to be subjected to their 
first great test in the crucible of war. 

CANTIGNY lay at the apex of the salient^which 
the enemy had driven into the Allied lines in* his 
great March offensive. With the safety of AMIENS 
threatened and' with it the safety of the^railroads and 
ihe British lines of communication, it was vital not 
only that the line now taken over by our troops be 
held, but also that CANTIGNY be wrested from 
the Germans before they could resume their ^drive 
toward the coast and channel ports. It was there- 
fore^ a heavy responsibility that rested upon the 1st 
Division,! 

Enemy Active 
Immediately upon the entry of the division into 
[the CANTIGNY sector, the enemy acknowledged the 



FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH ENEMY 



appearance of American troops in the lines by 
harassing artillery fire m daylight and dark and frequent 
and heavy trench raids at night, which continued 
intermittently practically for a month. Reciprocat- 
ing in land, exchanging blow for blow with the 
enemy, constantly reminding him of their presence 
in the trenches and readiness to accept battle, our 
troops by their tactics covered up careful preparations 
and rehearsals for their first offensive operation, — 
an assault upon CANTIGNY destined^ to snatch 
that vital point from German hands. 

Assault on Cantigny 

So successful and secret were these preparations 
that, without any suspicion on the part of the enemy, 
the assaulting troops, the 28th Infantry (Col. Hanson 
E. Ely, Regular Army, of Iowa, commanding), with 
one battalion of the 26th Infantry in support, slipped 
quietly into their positions in the "Jump off "trench- 
es during the night of May 27-28, for the attack 
at dawn of day. In addition to the assaulting 
troops, a detachment of American engineers, twelve 
French tanks and flame throwers, and a squadron 
of French aeroplanes were in readiness to aid the 
attack, while 250 pieces of French and American 
artillery, ranging from 75 mm. (3 ins.) to 280 mm, 
(11.2 ins.) in caliber, were in position to prepare the 
way for and support the infantry. 

Artillery Bombardment 

Peering impatiently into the darkness of " No 
Man's Land" which separated them from the enemy, 
the infantrymen in the trenches, tensely and expect- 
antly, waited and watched for that spectacular inferno 
of noise and flashing fire that usually precedes the 
Great Adventure '* Over the top ", — the artilleryj 



li 



CANTIGNY 5 



bombardment* It commenced promptly at 5;30 a. m., 
and brought crashing down upon CANTIGNY and the 
enemy lines a storm of shells of all calibers» which 
continued with crushing intensity for an hour, 
spreading death and destruction among the German 
defenders. Village walls and houses crumbled into 
dust and debris ; trenches and dugouts were 
obliterated. 

Zero Hour * 

Meanwhile, our infantry, with every man ready and 
alert, waited for the signal of Zero Hour, at 6:30 a. m., 
to spring forth from the ** Jump off '* trenches. 
Promptly at the hour, the bombardment ceased, being 
suddenly converted into a barrage, — a protecting 
curtain of descending shells, — with our assaulting 
troops crouching behind it. Leaping quickly forward 
in consecutive bounds of one hundred meters, the 
barrage moved swiftly across ** No Man's Land 
and swept over the German lines with our infantry 
following in its wake 

Brilliant Victory 

So sudden and fierce was the attack that the 
Germans were bewildered and offered little resistance. 
When assailed with thrusting bayonets, exploding 
hand grenades, liquid fire from flame throwers, and 
machine gun bullets from tanks and aeroplanes, many 
of the survivors wilted and surrendered in groups, 
while those who resisted were killed or captured. 

CANTIGNY, with its covering trenches, and the 
lines beyond were quickly taken and the first 

* The "Zero Hour" is the hour at which the attack is to begin, — tht 

hour, for example, that the attacking unit goes "Over the top", or "Jumps 

off". The expression is used in preliminary battle orders to keep secret 

the exact hour of attack, which is not announced until the last moment, i n 

or instance, some such form as this : " Zero Hour is 6:30 a. m., 28 May " 



6 FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH ENEMY 

American offensive, brilliantly conceived and as 
brilliantly executed^ had gone down into history. 

Holding On 

It is an axiom of the art of war that in order to 
make victory complete one must hold what he wrests 
from the enemy. Therefore, immediately upon the 
the capture of CANTIGN Y the assaulting troops, with 
the aid of the engineers, set promptly to v/ork 
strengthenmg the new line by extending and con- 
necting shell holes and pits hastily constructed under 
hre into shallow trenches susceptible of stubborn de- 
fense with automatic rifles and machine guns. Strong 
points, three in number, each capable of holding a 
platoon of infantry, armed with automatic rifles, 
were quickly constructed behind the front line. — one 
in the woods 200 meters east of CANTIGNY, 
another in the woods northwest, and a third m the 
cemetery north of the village. 

Enemy Prepares to Counter-Attack 

With an enemy whose belief in his own invincibility 
had been so suddenly and disastrously shaken by 
troops whom he had considered raw and untrained 
for battle, it was only natural and logical to look for 
a counter-attack from the Germans at any moment. 
Indeed, immediately after the capture of CANTIGNY 
the enemy artillery and machine gun fire came down 
upon the new lines with intense fury. Under this 
hre, which inflicted losses upon our troops, the work 
of strengthening and consolidating the new positions 
was deadly. Return fire by the French and American 
artillery did not abate the intensity of the German 
attack. For two hours the terrific duel of artillery 
continued, but meanwhile, in spite of indescribable 
difficulties and losses in their ranks, our troops 



CANTIGNY 



doggedly and courageously continued their work 
until, having finished the task, they could bring their 
own automatic rifles and machine guns Into play 
upon the enemy, while awaiting the inevitable counter- 
attack. 

The Counter-Attack 

It was not in the nature of things that the Ger mans 
flushed with almost constant previous success, would 
leave their new opponents long in doubt, particularly 
as the sudden assault upon and capture of CANTI- 
GNY was the first severe blow they had suffered for 
some time, however small the American achievement 
might seem in the light of previous military events. 
Its real significance and importance to German plans, 
unless reversed, lay in its relation to other happenings 
along the Western Front. For, in coincidence with 
this American coup de main, the Germans, upon the 
same morning, had struck a successful blow at the 
French filong the Chemin des Dames, — a blow which 
really inaugurated the enemy's last great offensive 
and carried his lines once more, as in 1914, down to 
the Marne River at Chateau Thierry, and brought 
Paris within the radius of his long-range guns. 

It was as necessary to German plans as it was vital 
to, German pride and morale, in order that success 
might continue, to repulse the Americans in their 
initial achievement. 

Fight Begins 

Within two hours after CANTIGNY was taken, 
— in fact, almost precisely to the minute, just as our 
troops had finished the task of securing and strength- 
ening their new positions, — the German counter- 
attack was launched. Preceded by a barrage, directed 
with accuracy ,by German aeroplanes flying overhead, 
the attack came from the enemy's reserve trenches in 



8 FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH ENEMY 

LAVAL WOODS and fell upon the 2nd and 3rd 
battalions of the 28th Infantry. With the quick 
instinct that comes into play in moments of grave 
danger, our troops discovered that the enemy *s infan- 
try instead of following close behind their barrage, 
were coming forward at some distance behind it, 
thereby losing the protection which this curtain of fire 
would otherwise have given them. With the calm- 
ness and nerves of veterans instead of the novices 
they were, they allowed the enemy's barrage to pass 
over them and beyond to their rear, grimly awaiting 
the nearer approach of the Germany infantry. When 
the assaulting enemy waves had gained a line one 
hundred meters away, our troops concentrated a 
decimating fire of rifles, automatic rifles and machine 
guns upon the forward rushing Germans, mowing 
them down, and repulsing their attack, which in- 
stantly became a rout. Leaving not less than 500 
killed and wounded upon the field, the survivors fled 
toward FRAMECOURT WOOD and soon sought 
refuge in their own lines. 

Six Successive Counter-Attacks 

In spite of this overwhelming defeat, the enemy 
persisted in his efforts to regain his lost ground and 
redeem his broken prestige. However the morale 
of the individual soldier may have been shaken, the 
German High Command remained adamant in its 
resolve to try again, regardless of loss of human life. 
For, during the next forty-eight hours German 
soldiers were sacrificed in a forlorn hope against a 
Gibraltar reared against them by stalwart Americans ; 
assault after assault was made until six successive 
counter-attacks went to pieces in humiliating defeat, 
with losses of 800 Germans killed, 500 wounded, and 
255iprisoners in our hands. It was not until the 



CANTIGNY 9 



sixth attack had been repulsed that the enemy realized 
the uselessness of further sacrifices and ceased his 
hopeless efforts to wrest from our troops their laurels 
and regain the lost prize of CANTIGNY. 

German Realization of Defeat 

With the realization by the Germans that our troops 
were not to be dislodged except with losses out of 
all proportion to results to be gained, the^lst Division, 
except for the daily interchange of the^usual hostile 
amenities between foes, was left in more or less 
undisturbed possession of its heroically won sector 
of CANTIGNY until the night of July 8th when it 
was transferred to test its mettle once more upon 
other fields. 

Presage of Enemy's Doom 

In this initial American offensive, carried to such 
a brilliantly successful conclusion by the 1st Division, 
American soldiers proved their equality as fighting 
men with their Allied comrades. 

CANTIGNY flashed electrically across the Allied 
world as a long-hoped-for presage of the enemy's 
doom. 

CHATEAU THIERRY— SOISSONS— 

MARNE— VESLE CAMPAIGN 

THE DRAMA OF THE MARNE 
(See map at back of book) 

It is a far cry, not geographically perhaps, but in 
military achievement, from the battle of Cantigny, 
small in scope and numbers engaged, but great in 
moral effect upon the enemy as well as upon the 
Allies, to the world-moving conflicts of Chateau 
Thierry and Soissons of the famous Marne Salient. 
For, upon these fields the destiny of civilization and 



10 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

the fate of its arch enemy, the Hun, were decided. 
Here American soldiers, fighting with their French 
comrades, translated deeds of bravery, intrepidity 
and military achievement into imperishable pages of 
history. 

Enemy Drive for Paris 

In the interim, on May 27, 1918, the enemy had 
commenced his drive for Paris with his third great 
offensive of the year (*) launched by the German 
Crown Prince from the sector of the Chemin des 
Dames. It swept the German hordes in three days 
from the Aisne southward across the Vesle and the 
Ourcq down to the banks of the Marne, carrying 
everything before it, engulfing Soissons, flanking 
Reims on the west, and thrusting a spearhead into 
Chateau Thierry. It cut a deep salient into the Allied 
lines with Soissons at the northwest, Reims at the 
northeast, and Chateau Thierry at its southern point, 
with its apex flung across the road to Paris, carrying 
the menacing Hun threat once more almost" to the 
very gates of the French capital. So sinister was this 
threat that the morale of Paris, already lowered by 
long range bombardment by day and violent air raids 
by night, ebbed lower still and sent thousands of 
people from the city to places of greater safety and 
security, 

Foch*s Counter" Weights 

For the second time the Hun was on the banks of 
the Marne. While the immortal Joffre had stemmed 
the tide of Hun invasion and hurled the German 



* The first German offensive of 1918 began March 21st, against the 
British 5th Army at St-Quentin ; the second, April 8th, the ARMEN- 
TIERES attack culminating at MT. KEMMEL ; the third. May 27th. 
with the assault of the CHEMIN DES DAMES culminating at CHATEAU 
THIERRY. 



^_ AMERICAN COUNTER-WEIGHTS 11 

legions back in flight from the river in 1914, the 
onslaught of the enemy this time reflected a ruthless 
determination to override all obstacles and sledge- 
hammer his drive, regardless of loss of human life, 
through to eventual success and final defeat of the 
AlHes. 

Foch stood now in the place of his great predecessor, 
confronted by a similar problem, with the fate of the 
civilized world again hanging in the balance of the 
scales of war. With America behind him, however, 
Foch had counter-weights not possessed by his 
predecessor* to throw into the scales, — counter- 
weights which, though lightly regarded by the enemy, 
constituted nevertheless a balance of power with 
which to snatch the initiative from the Hun at the 
proper moment ; reserves of American troops fairly 
aching to plunge into the conflict from the first to 
the last man. 

Spearhead Thrust at Chateau Thierry 

When the spearhead of the German drive was still 
thrusting at Chateau Thierry, Marshal Foch on May 
30th called upon General Pershing for the first of 
his counter- weights. Immediate orders, which started 
the 2nd and 3rd Divisions suddenly for the battle 
front, inaugurated a period of about seventy day's 
constant combat for American troops in the Marne 
Salient under French command, during which the 
drive on Paris was stopped and defeats were inflicted 
upon the enemy that hastened his eventual doom. 

DRAMA OF MILITARY EVENTS 

For a clear understanding of this period of American 
combat, the campaign, which included the Franco- 
American operations of the Marne Salient (westward 
of Chateau Thierry to Soissons and eastward to 



12 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



Reims) and the correlated actions on the Champagne 
front (eastward of Reims), may be likened unto a 
drama consisting of a curtain raiser and four acts. 

The Stage 

It was enacted within a picturesque theater of war, 
upon a panoramic stage of forested hills and fertile 
valleys, with vineyards, fields, meadows and woodland 
in between, — a rolling terrain intersected by canals, 
streams and rivers flanked by steep ridges and webbed 
together by rail and highways, roads and by-paths ; 
with towns, villages and hamlets nestling in the valleys, 
perching on the hills or clinging to their slopes. 

Yesterday and Today 

War with its panoply and glory, its horror, destruc- 
tion, suffering and death, has passed across the stage 
leaving in its wake today silent evidences of the 
moving drama it witnessed yesterday. For, the tumult 
and din of battle have ceased ; the captains and their 
men have departed ; the voice of artillery that once 
reverberated through forests, hills and valleys is 
stilled ; shells that went screaming o'er fields and 
meadows lie silent in the ground or buried in the 
chaotic ruins of cities, towns, villages and hamlets ; 
machine guns that mowed men down have ceased 
their death rattle ; vapors of gas and the smoke of 
battle have been blown away on the winds of the past ; 
lines of wire that throbbed with life messages lie in 
twisted masses on the ground ; balloons that hovered 
over the battle-lines have vanished ; aeroplanes that 
darted swiftly as swallows through the air, have 
winged their flight away ; transport of motors, 
vehicles, horses and men that once congested them 
have passed from the roads and by-paths ; the clash 
of steel upon steel is only an imaginary echo among 



AMERICAN MACHINE GUNNERS 13 



the hills and valleys^ and the conflict of charging 
legions a mere memory quickened by crosses marking 
men's graves. 

Onlhis stage the drama was enacted as follows 

Curtain raiser : Shattering the enemy's spearhead 
thrust at CHATEAU THIERRY 
May31— June 3,1918. 

First Act t Stopping the enemy in the MARNE 
SALIENT. 

Second Act : Holding the enemy in the MARNE 
SALIENT. 

Third Act I Defeating the Fifth German 
Offensive, while Foch secretly 
prepares counter-stroke. 

Fourth Act : Passing from defensive to offensive. 

Scene I : Seizing initiative, Foch delivers 
counter-stroke and caves in West- 
ern Face of MARNE SALIENT^ 

Scene II : Taking advantage of Crown 
Prince's predicament, Foch 
crushes in Eastern Face of 
Salient. 

CURTAIN RAISER 
American Machine Guns Go Into Action 

Divided into two sections by the river passing 
through it, with two bridges spanning the stream. 
Chateau Thierry constitutes the key-point of the 
Marne barrier against the German advance toward 
Paris. 

It is vital to withhold the bridgeheads from the 
enemy, and, in doing so, to present a front to shatter 
the Hun spearhead in its thrust to pierce the gateway 



14 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Within twenty-four hours after receiving its orders 
the motorized 7th Machine Gun Battalion (Brd 
Division),-^Major James G. Taylor, Regular Army, 
of Pennsylvania, commanding), — travelling all night, 
races across one hundred and eight kilometers of 
French territory from the CHATEAUVILLAIN 
traininfi:-area to CONDE-en-BRIE, thence on to 
NESLE -LA-MONTAGNE, whence, ^ dismounting 
their machine guns, the two companies afoot rush 
into the smoking, shell-and-battle-torn town of 
CHATEAU THIERRY late in the afternoon of 
May 31st, to take up positions with the French Colo- 
nials already defending the town against the enemy. 

it is thus that the curtain raiser begins. While 
it is being played, the 2nd and 3rd American 
Divisions are moving swiftly towards the battle lines 
to play their part. 

Defense of the Bridges of the Marne 

With high explosives and shrapnel from German 
guns raking the town, spreading chaos and ruin 
among them, the young American machine gunners 
receive their first baptism of fire. But with the 
coolness and determination of veterans, they quickly 
mount their guns on the southern bank of the river 
in houses and huts and behind garden-walls, in 
positions commanding a clean sweep of machine-gun 
fire upon the approaches to the bridges, calculated 
to mow down the Germans when they approach. 

Meanwhile, the French Colonials, with a section 
of two of the American machine guns under a lieu- 
tenant (John T.F. Bissell, Regular Army, of Pennsyl- 
vania) are crossing the river to hold the northern|half 
of the town against the enemy. 

From behind the surrounding hills French batteries 
are reciprocating with a deluge of shells upon the 



AMERICAN MACHINE GUNNERS 15 

aclvancincj Germans who have reached the Marnei 
east of CHATEAU THIERRY, and are approaching 
the town along the north bank. 

While the Germans, under cover of darkness, 
filter into the outskirts of the northern section of the 
town, they make no attempt to attack the bridgeheads 
during the night, limiting themselves to intense 
shelling with high explosives and shrapnel. It is 
not until broad day-light (June 1st) that the enemy 
appears, — two small columns, with machine guns' 
advancing over an open field toward the river. Imme- 
diately they are mowed down by the American 
machine gunners. Later in the day, under the very 
muzzles of our machine guns which mercifully 
withhold their fire, German Red Cross men are 
permitted unmolested to gather up their fallen 
comrades. 

Terrific Enemy Bombardment 

For the remainder of the day the defenders of 
CHATEAU THIERRY are compelled to endure a 
terrific bombardment of artillery and machine gun 
fire, under cover of which the enemy gains the hills 
overlooking the north bank of the river. From this 
vantage point German observers are able to direct a 
galling fire upon the south bank and into the northern 
half of the town, still held by the French Colonials 
and the two American machine guns. 

It becomes necessary towards evening to change 
positions owing to the intensity of the German fire 
which has rendered the northern bank untenable. In 
order to obtain a better field of fire, one of the Ameri- 
can machine gun companies moves into a wood 
further down stream, but the move, being detected by 
the enemy observers, brings down a storm of high 
explosives upon the wood. When the shelling ceases. 



16 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

after thirty or forty shells have dropped, the machine 
gunners seize positions from which to sweep the 
opposite bank^ and to cover the retirement of the 
French, troops from the northern half of the town. 

Germans Attack In Mass 

It is apparent that the enemy intends to follow 
up his bombardment during the day with an attack 
at night. While no enemy troops have shown them- 
selves after the defeat of their two small columns 
in the morning, soon after darkness falls they are 
discovered stealthily advancing through the streets 
on the north bank towards the central bridge. As the 
French Colonials, in retiring, cross the bridge, the 
enemy is close behind, — so close, indeed, that many 
of the assailants perish when the bridge is blown up 
by French engineers behind the retiring troops, while 
others who have actually succeeded crossing are made 
prisoners. 

Attack Repulsed by American Machine Gunners 

Immediately following this spectacular incident, 
the Germans make a mass attack which converges 
from different directions upon the bridgehead. It is 
pitch dark, but they come on, shoulder to shoulder* 
chanting in guttural tones as they come, without 
realizing apparently that means of crossing the river 
have been suddenly snatched from them. When cut 
down by the withering machine gun fire poured into 
them obliquely on both flanks by the Americans across 
the river, they halt and soon melt away in the darkness. 

Fight at The Iron Bridge 

Meanwhile, when the central bridge is blown up 
behind the French Colonials, the American detach- 
ment of machine guns, which has covered their 
retirement, is cut off on the northern side. With 






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Refugees driven from their homes in the Chateau Thierry region by 
the advancing Germans. 






AMERICAN MACHINE GUNNERS 1 7 

means of escape gone through theidestruction of the 
central bridge, the Keutenant in command of the 
detachment, in imminent danger of capture, fights 
his way along the river bank to the iron bridge up 
stream, but only to find that the Germans are massing 
on the parapet above for on attack at this point, with 
the machine guns of his own company across the 
river pouring a leaden hail into the enemy ranks. 
Attempt to cross under their own fire only brings 
down a portion of the enemy attack upon the men of 
the detachment, some of whom are wounded, but 
at length they attract the attention of their comrades 
on the other bank, who immediately concentrate a 
storm of machine gun bullets upon the bridgehead 
approaches, holding the Germans at bay until the 
detachment crosses the bridge, bringing their wounded 
safely with them. 

Immediately thereafter the Germans, in spite of 
their heavy losses, renew their attack upon the 
bridge, but the Americans, serving their machine guns 
with calm precision, sweep them back time and again 
until at length the enemy gives up the attempt, and 
here too melts away in the darkness. 

Third Attack Repulsed 

For the remainder of the night and during the 
following day (June 2), the German and French 
artillery exchange compliments, while the Colonials 
and the Hun riflemen snipe at each other. Lest they 
expose their positions to one another, machine guns, 
both the enemy and our own, are silent, but when 
darkness falls the Germans make another determined 
thrust for the iron bridge, only to be mowed down 
again by the American machine gunners. 

When this third attack is repulsed, the energy lest 
loose a storm of screaming shells upon the ^ .iiders, 



18 DRAMA Of THE MARNE 

keeping up the bombardment throughout the third 
night. 

Final Defeat of The Enemy 

immediately after dawn (June 3) the enemy, having 
brought up more artillery during the night, commences 
a terrific bombardment which seems to forecast a 
fourth determined attack. While preparations to 
forestall the enemy are being made, a German platoon 
is discovered foiming atop an adjacent hill and is 
promptly annihilated by the machine gunners holding 
the iron bridge, — an incident that probably deters 
further daylight efforts. Meanwhile the French 
artillery exchanges shell for shell with the enemy, 
and when night falls French engineers, protected by 
a leaden barrage laid down on the opposite bank by 
the American machine gunners, place detonating 
charges under the bridge. When the bridge goes up 
with a terrific explosion, the Germans rush from cover 
where they have lain concealed, and, being instantly 
revealed by prearranged petrol-flares set off by the 
engineers are once more mown down by the Ameri- 
can machine gunners. 

With both bridges destroyed, the passage of the 
Marne barred, repulsed in every attack, the enemy is 
at last compelled to accept defeat and thus is the Hun 
spearhead shattered by American machine gunners 
and their French comrades in its thrust for the 
gateway of Chateau Thierry. 

Curtain Raiser Ends 

With the relief of the 7th Machine Gun Battalion, 
at 3 o'clock the morning of June 4, for a heroically 
won rest at the rear, after 82 hours of constant battling 
in its successful shattering of the German spearhead, 
the curtain raiser ends. 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 19 

FIRST ACT 

Stopping the enemy in the Marne Salient 

American Divisions to the Rescue 

While the curtain raiser is being enacted by the 
American machine gunners and the French Colonials 
in Chateau Thierry, the 2nd and 3rd American 
Divisions are moving rapidly towards the battle 
lines. 

2nd Division Rushes Toward Chateau Thierry 

In the midst of Memorial Day exercises. May 30th, 
while in rest billets in the vicinity of Chaumont-en- 
Vexin, thirty-five miles northwest of Paris, Marshal 
Foch's momentous order to start immediately for the 
front reaches the 2nd Division. (Regular troops. 
Major-General Omar Bundy, Regular Army, of 
Indiana, commanding. See page 379, for regiments 
and other units composing the division.) 

Marshal Foch's order, a clarion " Call to Arms *', 
is flashed throughout the division, and within twenty- 
four hours, infantry, marines, artillery, machine guns, 
— all the elements that make up a fighting divisional 
unit, — are on the way, by train,, motor truck, and 
marching, to MONTREUIL-aux-LIONS. thence 
to go forward over every available road and by-path 
towards CHATEAU THIERRY and the battle 
lines. 

3rd Division Hurries to the Battlefront 

In the midst of its own Memorial Day exercises, 
in the CHATEAU- VILLA IN training area, some 
150 miles southeast of Paris, Marshal Foch*s summons 
to batde reaches the 3rd Division. (Regular troops. 



20 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Major-General Joseph T. Dickman, Regular Army, 
of Ohio, commanding. For regiments and other units 
composing the division, see page 579.) 

With the speed and effect of an electric spark the 
order is transmitted to every unit, producing instant 
action throughout the division. First to take the 
road is the 7th Machine Gun Battalion, which 
precedes the division, to play its notable part, as we 
have seen, in the curtain raiser at CHATEAU 
THIERRY. Immediately thereafter the division (less 
its artillery brigade and engineer regiment) follows 
by train and road to PROVINS (about 33 miles south 
of CHATEAU THIERRY), to march to the 
battlefront. 

Refugees Flocking to the Rear 

Meanwhile, a drama poignant with tragedy, relieved 
now and then by comedy, is being enacted in the 
theater of war behind the lines toward which the 
two divisions are advancing. For, upon every road 
and by-path, weaving their way through the traffic 
of transport and soldiers going to the front, e^re wars 
victims, the refugees^ streaming to the rear, — old men 
and young, decrepit or crippled ; women of all ages, 
and little children, the flotsam and jetsam of war, 
forced from their homes by the rising tide of battle. 

Nondescript Transport and Loads 

In contrast to the spick-and-span business -like 
aspect of military transport, the means employed by 
the refugees to aid them in their flight present a 
bewildering and nondescript variety of vehicles drawn 
by jaded horses, mules and oxen, with an intermingling 
of carts, varying in size, pulled by donkeys, goats and 
dogs. Lacking animal friends to aid them, men and 
women tug at the traces of wagons or push bab 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 2] 

carriages and wheelbarrows along ; while others, 
with no means of transport save their own poor bodies, 
struggle wearily on afoot, burdened to the limit of 
their strength. Loaded down with whatever they 
were able to rescue, — bits of furniture, bundles of 
clothing and food, bottles and casks of wine, chickens, 
canary birds in cages, kittens and puppies, etc., — the 
burdens carried by the refugees present an equally 
bewildering and nondescript variety of prized posses- 
sions, making a picture that lends a touch of the 
grotesque and humorous to the tragic drama 
of people thrust from their homes in flight before 
the enemy. 

They Play The Game In Good Part 

Lest they interfere with the imperative business of 
rushing m.en, guns, ammunition and supplies to the 
front, the flow of refugees to the rear is frequently 
halted or diverted into the fields to relieve congestion 
and blockades in traffic on the roads and by-paths, 
but all of them, — old and young, — play the game 
of war in good part, obeying orders quickly, with 
sighs of resignation, with tears or smiles and laughter. 

It is an indescribable drama in which these refugees 
play their parts, one that the imagination, with the 
aid of these words, must visualize. With minds and 
hearts already filled with fear and hatred of the enemy 
and preyed upon by wild rumors of impending 
disaster at the front, fact and fiction inextricably 
mingled, without the links of truth and reason to 
connect the twain, they cry : 

** Our poor Poilus are falling back I Ah, 
Messieurs, hundreds, nay thousands, have 
fallen ! And the Boches come on ! We 
cannot stop them ! Oui, oui. it is true. 



22 DRAIVIA OF THE MARNE 

Messieurs ! You can hear Mademoiselle 
Bertha even now bombarding Paris ! Hun- 
dreds of thousands are leaving the city and 
the Gipital will fall ! Our country is lost ! ** 
Military Policemen, regulating traffic at cross-roads, 
aid them and seek to reassure them in their flight, 
but rumor, gathering speed and substance on the 
wings of fancy, has terrified them beyond reason and 
understanding. 

Some among them, too old to care, burdened too 
long with Life's sorrows, are indifferent to further 
blows from Fate. For them the end has come or 
will soon come, please God! 

** C*est la guerre. Messieurs ! — and we are 
old.'* 

The Indomitable Soul of Firance Is Reflected 

In spite of the tragedy that weighs so heavily upon 
their elders, the younger people, boys and girls and 
young women, though they too have suffered, reflect, 
by word and deed, the indomitable soul of France and 
with cheerfulness of spirit and courage of heart, 
laugh at their troubles. 

"Ah, la, la ! Why so glum and fearful, 
Mes Vieux ? Did not Papa Joffre stop 
the Boches once before? -Foch will do like- 
wise, never fear. Oui, oui ! Our Poilus 
may be falling back, but it is only to make 
a stand and stop the Germans. Soon les 
Americains will come to help them and 
together they will drive the Boches from 
France ! ** 
And thus does youth, with its hope and confidence, 

seek to comfort and reassure old age and put to shame 

hysterical and garrulous middle age. 



STOPPING ENEMY I N SALIENT 23 

Refugees Meet Advancing American Columns 

Meanwhile, the two American divisions, spb't up 
into as many detachments as there are thoroughfares 
available in order to facilitate their march to the front, 
are gradually approaching the battle lines, and pre- 
sently encounter the first rearward columns of the 
refugees on all roads and by-paths. When the 
khaki-clad, happy-go-lucky soldiers of America, with 
joking and singing in their ranks, troop suddenly 
into their midst, the weary wayfarers are for the 
moment spell-bound. It is at first difficult for the 
homeless wanderers to realize what it all means, 
— that America, with the first of her man-power, 
backed by her great resources, is going forward into 
battle! Going forward to throw her sword into the 
Scales of War! Finally the truth dawns upon dulled 
minds and carries hope to fear-stricken hearts. Yes, 
yes, it is true ! These stalwart young men are the 
Americans, going forward to help the poor Poilus, 
to stiffen wavering lines, to stop the Huns ! Ah, 
youth, with its hope and confidence, was right! 

** Les Americains ! Les Americains ! " 

Hope and Courage Revived 

Sudden silence falls upon the hysterical and garru- 
lous lips of middle age. Rumor and fiction take flight 
before truth and fact. Old age plucks up hope and 
courage. Perhaps even they, the old, will still see 
victory ! Little children cease their weeping and 
gaze with infantile wonder at the passing troops. 
With the bubbling impulsiveness of youth, young 
women and girls assail the soldiers and shower flowers 
upon them. With gladness and laughter, and in 
utter disregard of impeding accoutrements of war, 
some of them shamelessly embrace serious young 



24 DRAMA OF THE MARNH 

warriors and plant warm kisses upon startled " Dough- 
boy ** faces. Old age grasps swinging soldier hands to 
carry them to trembling lips in benediction : while 
middle age, gaining voice once more, takes up the cry — 
** Vive I'Am^rique ! Nos sauveurs sont arrives I 
(" Long live America! Our saviors have arrived! ) 
Marking the sudden transition from settled hope- 
lessness to quick hopefulness of which the human soul 
is capable, this cry gives tongue to long pent-up 
emotions and soon swells to a chorused salutation 
that greets and follows the soldiers as they march on 
all the roads and by-paths toward the front. 

And thus heartened and reassured, with a new 
and growing faith, before which all their fears have 
now fled- the refugees look at the khaki -clad columns 
until distance shuts them out from view ; then the 
wayfarers take up their burdens once more and trudge 
on to the rear, while the young soldiers of America 
approach closer to the battle lines — and the enemy 
— to play their real parts in the forthcoming drama. 
For what we have thus far witnessed, though an 
essential part of the drama, is in point of fact a prelude 
to the more important and stirring action that follows. 

Theater of Battle 

When the scene shifts from the roads and by-paths 
and the drop-curtain, before which the prelude has 
been enacted, finally rises upon the First Act, it 
discloses that wonderful panorama of hills, ridges, 
vallevs, rivers, towns, villages and hamlets, of which 
CHATEAU THIERRY is the apex battle-point. 
From this apex, thrust into the tovsTi of CHATEAU 
THIERRY itself, the batde lines draw sharplv 
back, north-westward for 21 miles to SOISSONS 
and north-eastward for 30 miles to REIMS, forming 
the western and eastern faces of the triangle of the 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 25 

famous MARNE SALIENT. Hill 204. Jmmediatelv 
west of CHATEAU THIERRY and frowning down 
upon the town, is the dominating geographical 
feature in the theater of battle. It is held by the 
enemy and gives him command of a wide circle of 
the battlefield, enabling him to sweep with his fire 
up and down both banks of the Marne and to concen- 
trate artillery and machine guns upon the hills and ridg- 
es, flanking the river on the south, held by the French. 

'^ Vanguard Reaches Scene of Action 

When the vanguard elements of the 2nd and 3rd 
American Divisions reach the battle area on June 1st, 
our machine gunners are still contending with the 
Germans for the bridges of the Marne in CHA- 
TEAU THIERRY, while westward and eastward, 
on both faces of the Salient, the French are battling 
against the enemy in his efforts to drive through their 
lines for the capture of the PARIS-METZ ROAD. 
Battling to Check Advancing Enemy 

Pounding at the gates of CHATEAU THIERRY, 
the enemy is within forty-five miles of PARIS ; 
with his lines stretching north-westwardly through 
VAUX^BOURESCHES-BELLEAU WOODS-BEL. 
LEAU-TORCY and BUSSIARES towards SOIS- 
SONS and north-eastwardly along the northern 
banks of the MARNE through MONT ST. PERE 
and JAULGONNE towards REIMS. 

With an unconquerable spirit the French troops 
are battling to hold the enemy in check, but out- 
numbered and exhausted by long fighting and counter- 
marching, they are hard-pressed by the Germans who, 
though somewhat slowed down, are pushing steadily 
on. It is therefore necessary that the American divi- 
sions move into defensive positions immediately upon 
their arrival to aid in stopping the enemy^ 



26 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

American D? visions Bar German Drive for Paris 

Marshal Foch s order is that the American troops, 
as an expression of his faith in them, be given posts 
of the greatest danger, therefore of the greatest 
honor, to safe-guard the great Paris-Metz national 
highway where it passes through the rolling hills 
near CHATEAU THIERRY, there to throw them- 
selves athwart the spear-point of the German drive 
and bar the road to Paris. 

2nd Division Thrown Across Paris-Metz Road 

Immediately upon entering the battle area, the 2nd 
Division (9th and 23rd U. S. Infantry and 6th Marines, 
— 5th Marines not having yet arrived), is ordered by 
General Degoutte, commanding the 6th French Army 
west of CHATEAU THIERRY, to move quickly 
into a support position covering the PARIS-METZ 
ROAD at LE THIOLET and to establish a line of 
defense through which the battle-worn French troops, 
contending against the enemy in front, may, at the 
proper time, retire for rest and reorganization. 
With an enthusiasm of spirit and quickness of 
maneuver both surprising and encouraging to the 
tired "Poilus", the division moves rapidly into its 
positions, so that?by noon the 9th U, S. Infantry 
is in line from ^LA NOUETTE, south-west of 
CHATEAU THIERRY to LE THIOLET on the 
PARIS-METZ ROAD, with the 6th Marines 
extending therefrom to Hill 142, north of CHAM- 
PI LLON, and the 23rd U. S. Infantry in reserve 
in the BOIS-LE-GUERY. 

With a discovery of a gap in the battle lines in 
front of the 7th French Corps, which the enemy may 
at any moment seek to drive through, the 23rd 
U. S. Infantry, with one battalion of Marines attached, 
is rushed during the night to the aid of the hard-beset 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 27 

43rd French Division, going into position between 
Gandelu and Montigny, on the left of the 6th Marines. 
Daylight June 2nd finds the 2nd Division astride 
the PARIS-METZ ROAD, one brigade north and 
the other south of the highway, holding a line seven 
miles in length, with one of its regiments (5th 
Marines) and its artillery brigade still to arrive 
upon the scene of action. 

3rd Division Defends Crossings of the Marne 
Meanwhile, the 3rd Division, already represented 
in the great battle by its heroic 7th U. S. Machine Gun 
Battalion, also reaches the battle-front (June 1st) and 
is immediately assigned by General Degoutte to the 
38th French Corps to aid the 1 0th Colonial and 20th 
French Divisions in defending the crossings of the 
MARNE eastward of CHATEAU THIERRY. Instead 
of operating as a divisional unit, the four infantry 
regiments of the division are distributed among the 
French troops by battalions, to hold posts at threatened 
points along the south bank of the river for a 
stretch of twenty-five miles, with the 5th Brigade (4th 
and 7th U. S. Infantry) aiding in the defense of the 
passages of the MARNE from CHATEAU THI- 
ERRY to DORMANS and the 6th Brigade (30th and 
38th U» S. Infantry) assisting in holding the river 
crossings from DORMANS eastward to DAMERY. 

"Poilus** Welcome "Yanks" with Open Arms 

Inspired and encouraged by the gallant and heroic 
work of the 3rd Division's advance-guard of machine 
gunners at CHATEAU THIERRY, news of which has 
already passed from lip to lip along their lines, the 
Poilus, worn almost to the point of exhaustion by the 
brunt of battle, welcome the arrival of the American 
troops with enthusiastic joy and camaraderie. In the 
presence of the stalwart young **Yanks*'in their midst. 



28 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



to fight shoulder to shoulder with them, distributed 
as a leaven among them to stiffen their lines, the 
French troops take fresh hope and courage and bend 
to their task of beating off the enemy with a spirit 
that cannot be conquered. 

With fresh American legions now entering battle 
against the enemy, *'0n ne passe pas !'* ('*They shall 
not pass ! ") is a battle cry as portentous of the defeat 
of the Hun now on the banks of the Marne as it 
was at Verdun. 



In their positions both westward and eastward of 
CHATEAU THIERRY, the two American divisions 
come immediately within range of the enemy's fire. For 
the battle is at its height, with a terrific duel in progress 
between the French and German artillery and a 
constant interchange of machine-gun and rifle fire 
upon front lines, support and reserve positions on 
hills and crests. Rear areas, with their approaching 
lines of communication over roads and by-paths, are 
under heavy artillery fire by the enemy, who seeks 
thereby to impede or break up the advance of the 
remaining units of the 2nd Division, which, however, 
reach the front within forty-eight hours and move 
immediately into their designated positions. 

Enemy Seeks Success Elsewhere 

Failure to pierce the gate-way of Chateau Thierry 
(see curtain raiser, page 13), compels the enemy 
to make an effort for success elsewhere, soon to 
materialize in a series of attempts against the new 
French-American front on the Western Face of the 
MARNE SALIENT. 

From the moment the American troops make their 
appearance on the battlefield the enemy's activity, 
especially with artillery, increases. It is, undoubtedly, 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 29 

preparation for a renewal of the drive for the 
PARIS-METZ ROAD, but no concerted effort is 
made^jby the Germans until June 3rd, when they 
make an attack upon a front of over twelve miles, 
from .MONTCOURT to CHEZY-en-ORXOIS, in 
a smashing attempt to dislodge both the 2nd American 
Division and the 43rd French Division at the same 
time. It is a vain effort, however, for the enemy is 
stopped at every point, especially by the American 
troops in the little valley of RU GOBERT, along 
which the villages of BOURESCHES. BELLEAU, 
TORCY and BUSSIARES now lie scattered in ruins » 

French Retire Through American Lines 

Depleted by losses, tired and worn by long fighting, 
the remnants of the two French divisions which, 
against great odds, have held the front lines against 
the enemy, retire through the American lines, for 
well-earned rest and reorganization. Thus, the 2nd 
American Division faces the enemy upon a front of 
its own^ with French divisions on its left and right. 
Desperate, The Enemy Attacks Again 

Returning to the attack at dusk June 4th, apparently 
in sheer desperation over their defeat, the Germans 
launch a strong assault against VEUILLY-le- 
POTERIE where the American division joins flanks 
with the French. Instant report made by one of our 
infantry observers, who sees the attack coming, 
results in an immediate counter artillery fire being 
brought down upon the Germans, breaking up their 
assault before it reaches our fines. In spite of being 
thus repulsed the second time, the enemy is not yet 
willing to give up his desperate efforts to separate 
the French and American troops. Renewing thg 
attempt a few hours later, extending the attack to Hjj| 
142, south of BUSSIARES, the enemy assails o^. 



lines again, inaugurating a struggle which continues 
throughout a night of desperate and violent battling. 
Fighting shoulder to shoulder, the French and 
American troops beat back the Germans at all points, 
except one, — Hill 123, from which they are, 
however, ejected the next day. 
2nd Division Girdles Itself for Great Achievement 

Meanwhile, the division, now at full battle strength, 
draws in its left flank, concentrating upon a shorter 
line to present a more formidable front to the enemy. 
In this position, extending from the southeast corner 
of BOIS-de-la-MARETTE to a jpoint on the 
CHAMPILLON^BUSSIARES Road about 900 yards 
north of CHAMPILLON. the division fronts a 
battlefield soon to witness its great achievements ; 
with the 9th U. S. Infantry facing toward Hill 204, 
MONNEAUX and VAUX ; the 23rd U. S. Infantry 
towards BOIS des ROCHETS and BOURESCHES, 
and the Marine Brigade toward BOIS de BELLEAU, 
TORCY and BUSS I ARES, — names destined soon 
to be recorded in history by these American units. 
Turning Point in Allied Fortunes 

With successive defeats, coming on top of the 
repulse at Chateau^Thierry inflicted^by the American 
machine gunners, the enemy's drive through the 
Western Face of the MARNE SALIENT for the 
possession of the PARIS-METZ ROAD is definitely 
stopped. In fact, the sanguinary night-battle June 
4th marks the tactical end of an offensive which 
German plans designed not to stop short of the gates 
of PARIS, It marks also the moral turning point in 
Allied fortunes. For, the verdict of CANTIGNY as 
to thebattle-efficiency of American troops is confirmed ; 
doubts no longer linger in the minds of men as to 
the final outcome ; victory is sure. 

And thus, with the enemy stopped in the MARNE 
SALIENT, ends the First Act of the Drama. 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 31 

SECOND ACT 

Holding the Enemy in the Marne Salient 

Rising upon the Second Act, the curtain 
discloses the Germans, smarting with defeat, 
standing angrily at bay before the firm front 
presented by the American troops. 

Americans Prepare to Attack 

It is not suificient, however, to have stopped the 
enemy's drive. Victory must be clinched by a 
return blow. German morale must be further assailed 
and shaken. Inaction, however brief and necessary, 
may embolden the enemy to further sanguinary 
efforts in spite of repulses and heavy losses. Posses- 
sion of observation posts and strongpoints, giving 
them a tactical advantage over the battlefield, must be 
wrested from the Germans without delay. Immediate 
preparations are therefore made for an attack to be 
launched by the Marine Brigade, designed not only 
to wrest salient points from the enemy, but also to 
advance the left of the line held by the division in 
front of BELLEAU WOODS. 

Aerial and Artillery Activity of Enemy 

Maintaining constant aerial activity and balloon 
observation, with flocks of planes crossing and re-cross- 
ing the lines and balloons ascending and descending, 
the enemy seeks to keep close watch upon American 
and French movements. German aviators make no 
less than eighty-nine (89) flights over the American 
front and ten (10) balloons hover constantly over the 
lines on June 5th. 

Whatever the Germans discover, they immediately 
resort to tactics betraying nervousness and uncer- 
tainty, bringing down a terrific artillei:y fire upon our 



32 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

front lines and rear areas, raking|the American posi- 
tions and lines of communication with high explosive 
and gas shells. It is obviously an effort not only to 
intimidate the American troops, but also to stop or 
destroy supply trains upon which they must depend 
for food and ammunition. Providentially, however, 
the PARIS-METZ ROAD and the American lines of 
communication back to LA FERTE-sous-JOUARRE 
are protected by hills and crests, thereby rendering 
the enemy's fire a waste of effort and ammunition. 

First Struggle for Belleau Woods 

Meanwhile, preparations for the attack are com- 
pleted on June 6th, when, preceded by a brief artillery 
bombardment, the Marines, in liaison with the 
French on their left, sweep out of their trenches 
over the broken woodland and hills north of CHAM- 
PILLON and LUCY-le-BOCAGE to contest with 
the enemy the possession of the southern edges of 
BELLEAU WOODS * and the crests looking down 
into GOBERT valley about TORCY and BUSSIA- 
RES. Met by intense machine gun and rifle fire, 
which inflicts losses in their ranks, they push gallantly 
on, carrying the surprised enemy before them. In 
spite of the advantage of position, with hidden 
machine gun nests echeloned behind one another and 
accurately directed artillery bearing down upon the 
Americans, the Germans are overcome by the 
intrepidity and speed of the attack. Within two 
hours, in the face of most stubborn resistance, the 
Marines capture their objectives, while the French, 
fighting with similar dash, gain the dominating 
heights on the west. 



* Re-named by the French Government, " BOIS de la BRIGADE 
de MARINES", in honor of the Marine Brigade. 




CO 






o 

CO 



g 
< 




On The Road to Chateau-Thierry 
Vive rAm^rique ! Nos sauveurs sont arrives !" 
(Long live America ! Our saviors have arrived !) 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 33 



Fighting Continues With Added Fury 

However, the battle still continues. Loss of points 
of tactical advantage, so suddenly snatched from them, 
arouses the Germans to desperate resistance which 
precipitates a bitter struggle that contmues throughout 
the night, with the lines surging back and forth among 
the thickets and rocks of wooded slopes and crests, in a 
conflict as ferocious as men have ever fought. Rockets 
and bursting shells pierce the darkness, and flares, 
illuminating the night now and then, disclose men 
in savage hand-to-hand combat. Prizes of battle are 
thus gained, — point after point is won, trench after 
trench is carried, nest after nest of machine guns is 
taken, — in bitter personal encounter wherein men, 
fighting for their lives and those of their comrades, 
overcome and crush the enemy. 

Enemy Desperately Counter-Attacks 

Desperate counter-attacks are made by the enemy 
during the night to recover points lost, but every- 
where these are met by the Americans with a resolute 
front and repulsed in sanguinary encounters. Deter- 
mined though their resistance be, the Germans, 
contesting every foot of ground, are compelled to 
give way gradually before the intrepidity of 
our troops until dawn (June 7) brings a brief 
respite in the battle. 

Our Troops Make Gains 

, While the left of the line against which most 
desperate resistance was opposed, has added to its 
gains only a slight advance, the Marines have captur ed 
the village of BOURESCHES and penetrated into 
BELLEAU WOODS to_the northeastern summit of 
Hill 181, giving them a point of tactical advantage, 
though the enemy still holds most of the woods 
northward. 



34 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Meanwhile, the 3rd Brigade, though under orders 
simply to hold the right of the line eastward, is 
nevertheless drawn into the vortex of battle. In the 
forests north of the PARIS-METZ ROAD at LE 
THIOLET (BOIS.de TRIANGLE and BOIS des 
CLEREMBAUTS) the 23rd U.S. Infantry, despite 
terrihc counter-attacks in which the lines sway back 
and forth, has held its ground ; w hile farther east- 
ward, in the BOIS-de-la-MARETTE, the 9th U. S. 
Infantry has materially improved its position. 

Following up this success later in the day (June 7th ) 
the 9th U. S. Infantry, in liaison with French troops 
and a portion of the 30th U. S. Infantry (3rd Division) 
on the right, makes another attack upon the enemy, 
capturing the village of MONNEAUX and carrjang 
the southern slopes of HILL 204, that eminence from 
which the Germans look down upon CHATEAU 
THIERRY. 
Enemy Vainly Makes Further Counter- Attacks 

In violent counter-attacks, first on the night of 
June 7th and again on the night of June 8th, the 
enemy seeks to wrest lost ground from the 9th and 
23rd U. S. Infantry, especially in the vicinity of 
BOURESCHESandnorthofBOIS-de-la-MARETTE, 
only to be repulsed with heavy losses. 

Similar attacks are made upon BELLEAU WOODS 
but are repeatedly beaten off until June 10th, when 
the Marine Brigade, pressing a sudden advantage, 
lunges forward for a drive of 800 meters which carries 
the southern half of the woods and results in the 
capture of 300 prisoners, with 39 machine guns and 
trench mortars. 

Americans Continue Their Successes 

Giving the enemy no rest, this victory is promptly^ 
followed up next morning (June 1 1 th) when, with at 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 35 



preliminary artillery bombardment and preceded by 
a rolling barrage, the Marines resume the attack. In a 
desperate battle, waged^behind logs and rocks, with 
hand-to-hand combats ^surging around concealed 
machine guns and trench mortars, the Marines, using 
rifles with killing accuracy and bayonets with deadly 
effect, drive the Germans before them until only 
the northern fringes of the woods remain in the 
enemy's possession. 

immediately thereafter, reinforced by fresh troops, 
the Germans launch a counter-attack to recover their 
lost ground, but fail utterly and are repulsed with 
heavy losses in killed, wounded, and prisoners. 

Hun Prepares Formidable Return Blow 

For several days thereafter the Germans, behind 
the usual battlefield routine of harassing fire with 
artillery, trench mortars and machine guns, devote 
themselves to the staging of a formidable return biov/, 
calculated to retrieve their lost honors, but the 
American troops, familiar now with Hun tactics, are 
constantly on the alert and in readiness to check any 
move the enemy may make. 

When the usual routine changes, shortly after dawn 
June 14th, suddenly from ordinary fire to a devastating 
bombardment with gas and high explosive shells, 
which comes down with crushing intensity upon the 
American lines from front to rear, our troops recognize 
it as the forerunner of a forceful attack soon to be 
launched against them. With every man prepared to 
meet the foe, it promises to be a forlorn hope for the 
enemy. 

Blow Falls and Is Parried 

When the attack comes, preceded by a heavy 
barrage, it falls upon the infantry holding the village 
of BOURESCHES and the Marines in BELLEAU 



36 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

WOODS, but, forewarned and prepared, the 
Americans hurl the enemy back in repulse and hold 
their ground everywhere. 

In spite of this defeat, the Germans launch another 
attack the following day (June 1 5th). It is practically 
a last effort to regain their lost laurels at BOURES- 
CHES and in BELLEAU WOODS, but the com- 
bined action of the infantry and the Marines drives 
them back and administers another bloody repulse 
to the enemy. 

Marines are Relieved 

Meanwhile, the battalions of the Marine Brigade 
still fighting in BELLEAU WOODS, — reduced in 
numbers through heavy losses and exhausted through 
constant heroic effort, with the enemy still contending 
against them, — are sorely in need of rest and replace- 
ments in both officers and men. Relief cannot, 
however, be furnished by other, equally worn and 
tired, units of the division, and the 7th U. S. Infantry 
is therefore borrowed from the 3rd Division (fighting 
with the French eastward of Chateau Thierry.) 

7th U. S. Infantry Enters Fray 

Immediately upon entering BELLEAU WOODS to 
relieve the Marine battalions, the 7th U. S. Infantry 
encounters stiff resistance. For six successive days 
(June 16-21) the regiment is engaged with two of its 
battalions in a deadlock battle with the enemy on the 
northern edges of the woods, while its third battalion 
advances its position south of TORCY and compels 
the Germans to give way in a well fought action that 
straightens out the left of the line. 

Belleau Woods Finally Wrested from Enemy 

With renewed strength and^ spirits, the Marine 
battalions return to their woodland battle ground after 



i\ 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 37 

their six days* rest, determined to make BELLEIAU 
WOODS their own. In an interchange of veiled 
blows with the enemy for four days, preparations 
are made for a formidable attack, calculated to drive 
the Germans from the northern fringes of the woods 
to which they still tenaciously cling. 

When preparations are finally completed, June 25th, 
the divisional artillery, with every gun carefully placed 
and sighted, brings down a devastating storm of 
heavy shells upon the woods, searching the enemy's 
positions and all their northern approaches. Demoral- 
ized by this fire the enemy is ill prepared for the 
attack which immediately follows it. Sweeping down 
upon them, the Marines hurl the Germans from their 
positions, driving them at last out of the woods and 
northward far into the valley toward the railroad 
beyond. More than 300 prisoners, with 24 machine 
guns and automatic rifles, remain in the hands of the 
Marines. 

Victory thus marks the closing scene of the 
wonderful woodland drama of BELLEAU WOODS. 
Its moral effect extends far beyond the battlelines of the 
Marne ; indeed, beyond the borders of war-stricken 
France to America across the seas. 

Capture of Vauz by the Infantry 

While the Marines are thus gathering unto them- 
selves imperishable laurels, the Infantry Brigade of 
the division, holding the line against the enemy 
eastward of BELLEAU WOODS, is preparing for a 
coup de main of its own. VAUX, a village held by the 
enemy, protected by the ramparts of HILL 204 
frowning down upon it and supported by German 
artillery in the BO IS des ROCHETS, thrusts a 
menacing minor salient into the American lines, with 
Its apex projecting towards LE THIOLET on the 



3B DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

PARIS-METZ ROAD. Reduction of this little 
salient is necessary, not only to straighten the lines, 
but also to remove a constant German threat against 
MONNEAUX, where the Americans and the French 
Join flanks. 

German ingenuity has converted VAUX into a 
veritable little fortress, bristling with machine guns 
and trench mortars mounted in stone houses, hidden 
in concreted cellars and placed behind garden walls. 
Careful service of information, carried, indeed, to an 
extraordinary degree of accuracy, has, however, 
disclosed the location of every enemy position in the 
village and its defensive lines. Maps, photographs, 
and data are furnished to every company commander, 
platoon and squad leader showing the exact location 
and character of every objective to be taken by the 
brigade. 

Artillery Prepares the Way 

Meanwhile, the artillery, both American and French, 
is in position behind the lines to clear the way for and 
support the infantry. Plans completed, a destructive ; 
fire descends on VAUX and the woods and roads to > 
the north at 8 a.m., July 1st. It continues through- | 
out the day until 6 o'clock in the evening. 

Infantry Attacks 

The bombardment is now converted into a rollings 
barrage behind which the Infantry Brigade, in liaison i 
with the French troops eastward, springs forth to the; 
assault on a two kilometer front. So swift is the= 
advance that the attack sweeps through VAUX within 1 
a few moments, then beyond, on both flanks, to the 
railroad. In spite of enemy resistance, the village and 
all objectives are taken by the American troops in the 
schedule time of one hour. However, the Frenchli 
troops on the right, advancing in liaison with the^ 



STOPPING ENEMY IN SALIENT 39 

American attack, encounter formidable opposition. 
HILL 204, its crest strongly fortified and held with 
machine guns that sweep its slopes, proves an 
almost impregnable obstacle. Repeated assaults, 
while advancing the line and improving the French 
positions materially, fail to dislodge the enemy from 
the commanding heights eastward. 

Enemy Counter-Attacks 

Within half an hour after the American success, 
the enemy, with two comoanies of storm troops, 
counter-attacks from the BO IS des ROCHETS in front 
of VAUX. Immediately advised of the attack, our 
artillery drops a barrage behind the attacking Germans 
and literally rakes them in, the two companies being 
captured practically intact. So demoralized is the 
enemy by this signal defeat that no further effort is 
made to challenge the American troops until the 
following afternoon (July 2nd), when fresh German 
troops, attempting to retake the BOIS-de-la-ROCHE, 
northwest of VAUX, are promptly repulsed and many 
of them, their retreat cut off by a machine gun barrage, 
are taken prisoners. 

Our Success 

With very little loss, the Infantry Brigade has 
gained an advance of half a mile in depth, capturing 
over 500 prisoners and 60 machine guns and 
trench mortars. Indeed, for every man killed or 
wounded in the American ranks, two of the 
enemy are captured and one killed. 

2nd Division Relieved 

With Belleau Woods as a monument to its Marines 
and Vaux an equal monument to its Infantrymen, 
forever to be associated with them in history, the 
2nd Division is finally relieved by the 26th ("Yankee") 



40 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Division between July 5th and July 9tli, for a period 
of rest before returning to gain further brilliant 
achievements on the battlefield. (26th Division was 
composed of New England troops. Major General 
Clarence R. Edwards, Regular Army, of Ohio, 
commanding.) 

End of Act 

And thus, with the 26th Division moving into 
position against the enemy on the Western Face 
of the MARNE SALIENT, the 3rd Division, in 
cooperation with the French, still holding the southern 
banks of the Marne eastward of Chateau Thierry, 
and the 2nd Division marching to its rest area at the 
rear, while the enemy is being held in the Marne Salient, 
the curtain falls on the Second Act of the Drama. 

THIRD ACT 

Defeating the Fifth German Offensive while Foch 
secretly prepares counter-stroke 

War, A Game of Checkers 

In its varying phases war is a game in which the 
moves of one side are dictated by the moves of the 
other until victory for one and defeat for the other 
ends the struggle. In order to win, however, strength 
must be combined with skill and decision. Prepon- 
derance of numbers alone will not gain victory ; for, 
the weaker player, forced into a defensive game by the 
stronger, may by skill and decision prolong the 
struggle until, gaining strength himself, he suddenly 
checkmates the enemy and wins. 

Indications Are Enemy Will Be Checkmated 

It is to such a denouement that the trend of events 
now unerringly points. Constantly checkmated and 
baffled, the enemy has now apparently lost the skill 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 41 

and decision characterizing his moves early in the 
war. From a period of operations based upon well 
conceived plans, skillfully and decisively executed, 
he has now seemingly retrograded into the desperate 
state of depending solely upon sledge-hammer blows, 
lacking in skill and decision, backed up by preponder- 
ance of strength alone, — blows that prove only 
sporadic and temporary in effect, exerting no influence 
upon the game as a whole, except to delay the inevitable 
end that spells defeat. 

First here, then there, along the Western Front 
such blows are struck. Partially successful at first 
by virtue of the very strength behind them, they are 
nevertheless always eventually parried, with skill and 
decision, by the Allies. 

BEHIND THE SCENES 

Enemy Strikes Farther North 

And now, going behind the scenes of the Drama for 
a moment, we see the enemy, after his defeat at 
Chateau Thierry, marshalling his forces for a series 
of blows farther to the north. It is apparently 
another desperate effort to separate the French and 
British Armies in the Montdidier Salient, to the 
northwest of Soissons, and south of Amiens, and to 
join up this salient on a straight front with the Marne 
Salient, but the attempt is frustrated by the Allies 
in heavy fighting which continues for several weeks 
towards the end of June. In this defeat of the enemy 
the I St American Division participates with the French 
and British troops, having remained in the Montdi- 
dier sector after its great individual victory at Cantigny. 
(See page 3.) 

Decisively defeated in this, the last of many efforts 
to break down the Western Face of the Marne Salient, 
the enemy turns desperately towards its Eastern Face, 



42 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

concentrating overwhelming forces from Chateau 
Thierry ea.^tward to Reims and beyond for another 
attempt to cross the Marne simultaneously with a 
blow against the Champiigne Front, to the east of 
Reims, intended, probably, to destroy the French army 
before it is further reinforce<-l by American troops. 
It is destine*.! to be the enemy's last offensive move. 
In the great game of war he has thus far held the 
initiative and through superior numerical strength 
alone has kept the Allies on the defensive : indeed, 
forcing them to play a defensive game throughout the 
years* without decisive results. 

Victory Possible Only Through Offensive Action 

\ ictory. complete and final, cannot, however, be 
gained by defense alone. It can be gamed only 
through otfensive action, carefully and secretly 
planned, and carried out with skill and decision. 
Change from the defeiisive to the offensive is, however, 
considered one of the most difficult and delicate 
operations in the science of war : for, the initiative 
must be taken away from the enemy, either by a 
deliberately planned action or by seizing, in battle, 
some tieeting opportunity for a lightning-hke stroke 
to be followed up resolutely until victory is gained. 

Pershing Urges Offensive Tactics 

In Allied war councils the vital necessity of making 
this momentous change in tactics has been gravely 
considered. General Pershing, anions^ all Allied 
Chiefs, has consistently urged the wisdom of attacking 
the German< .U the l\-.<c of the Marne S-idient at the 
tirst favorab.c . p;.v^itu:v/iy. It is finally decided, in a 
conference (June 22nd) between Marshal Foch, 
Pi'emierr Clemenceau and General Pershing, that an 
attempt shall be made to seize the initiative from the 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 43 

enemy as soon as the American Army, adding counter- 
weights daily to the scales of war, swings the balance 
of numerical strength in favor of the Allies. 

Enemy Getting Weaker ; Allies Stronger 

In this respect Fate inexorably plays its part 
against the enemy, in seeming protest against reckless 
sacrifice of human life ; for, with terrific losses 
approximating one million men killed, wounded and 
taken prisoners since the beginning of the year, 
German strength, without replacements, is weaken- 
ing as Allied strength increases. With approxi- 
mately 300,000* American soldiers now arriving 
monthly, Allied man power first equals and then, 
towards the middle of July, surpasses that of the 
enemy, giving Marshal Foch, at length, sufficient 
strength to permit a sudden concentration of superior 
numbers and reserves against some weak spot in the 
enemy's battlefront. It remains for the fleeting 
opportunities of battle to disclose the point at 
which the counter-stroke may be successfully 
launched. 

Crown Prince Prepares for Offensive 

Meanwhile the enemy, absorbed in his own devices, 
ignorant of the intentions of the Allied High Command, 
and doubting the increase of Allied reserves to prepon- 
derating numbers, continues to concentrate his 
forces, under the command of the German Crown 
Prince, against the Eastern Face of the MARNE 
SALIENT until he has massed 170.000 first line 
troops east, and a similar number west, of Reims, 
with an equal strength in reserves back of his lines. 
For this last sledge-hammer blow the enemy has 

(*) More than one million (1,019,155) men had reached France by the 
end of June, of whom 700,000 were combatant troops4 



44 DRAMA O F THE MARNE 

Stripped the Picardy battlefront to the north of 
Soissons and east of Montdidier far beyond the 
point of safety, as subsequent Allied victories in that 
theater of war are destined to prove. 

Foch Learns of Enemy's Intentions 

Superb intelligence service has kept Marshal Foch 
fully informed of this tremendous troop movement 
and disclosed, as well, the enemy's intention to attack 
on a front of 60 miles from Chateau Thierry eastward 
through Reims and beyond on the Champagne Front, 
to a point a few miles west of the Argonne Forest. Indi- 
cations, confirmed by prisoners* statements, are that the 
great attack will probably be made about July 15th. 

American Counter- Weights Enable Foch 
to Meet Enemy Effectively 

When the attack falls it must be countered by 
skillful defensive plays to prolong the game until the 
propitious moment presents itself to seize the initiative. 
Knpwledge of the enemy's plans and the arrival of 
American troops enable Marshal Foch to make his 
dispositions skillfully and effectively. Holding his 
reserves, — his American counter-weights, — in 
readiness in the rear, he places in the battlelines only 
enough troops to meet and hold the attack until the 
action may disclose that sensitive spot in the enemy's 
front against which to launch the counter-stroke. 

An Event of Historical Importance 

In the interim an event of historical importance has 
taken place, — the assumption of tactical command 
over a sector facing the enemy by the First American 
Corps. (Major General Hunter Liggett, Regular 
Army of Pennsylvania, commanding.) For the first 
time since the American Civil War an American Corps 
is exercising tactical command and for the first time 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 45 

since the War of Independence an American unit 
has foreign troops under its control. With the 26th 
American Division in line from TORCY to VAUX 
and the 167th French Division extendmg the Hne to 
CHATEAU THIERRY, the Corps holds what is 
destined to be the pivotal point in forthcoming 
operations.* 

Other American Units Prepared to Meet Enemy 

Meanwhile, other American units, in position on 
the Eastern Face of the MARNE SALIENT, 
are prepared to meet the enemy, — in fact, ready to 
bear the brunt of his attack. From Chateau Thierry 
eastward, the 3rd American Division, operating^under 
the French High Command, is still holding, asjn the 
Second Act, the southern banks of the Marne for a 
distance of over seven miles to Varennes, opposite 
the Jaulgonne Bend, with its right flank resting on 
Surmelin Valley, destined to witness the enemy's 
crowning defeat. 

Divisions in Support 

In support positions on the reverse slopes of the 
hills south of the Marne, with orders to reinfprce 
both the 3rd American Division and adjacent French 
divisions, is the 28th ( "Keystone** ) Division, (Penn- 
sylvania National Guard troops. Major-General 
Charles H. Muir, Regular Army, of Michigan, 
commanding.) 

(*) While the First American Corps exercised administrative command 
over various American divisions in France from the date of its organization, 
January 15, 1918, the G)rps G)mmander and staff did not exercise tactical 
command over troops in the battlelines until July 4th when, with appro- 
priate ceremony, the French High G>mmand turned over to the G)rps 
one American Division (26th) and one French Division (167th) for tactical 
control and direction in battle. Independence Day thus acquired added 
historical significance. 



46 DRAMA QF THE MARNE 

Farther eastward, on the Champagne Front, in 
support positions with General Gouraud's army, is the 
famous ** Rainbow ** or 42nd American Division. 
(National Guard troops of District of Columbia 
and twenty-six States. Major-General Charles T. 
Menoher, Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, com- 
manding.) 

American Divisions Ready to Advance 

Marching^ toward the front or in training or rest 
areas behind the lines are other American divisions 
ready to respond to Marshal Foch*s call to battle, 

CURTAIN RISES ON THIRD ACT 

With the stage thus set, the curtain rises upon the 
Third Act of the Drama. 

3rd American Division Plays Leading Part 

It is the 3rd American Division which is destined 
to play the most important part in the opening scene. 
With its four infantry regiments echeloned in depth, 
checker-board fashion, the division holds three lines 
of defense from the Marne back into the hills 
behind. Strong points, connecting thej lines, mount 
machine guns and trench mortars in positions 
designed to sweep the river crossings. In the hills 
behind, the divisional artillery is prepared to bring 
down a storm of shells upon the enemy. 

Enemy Prepares to Attack 

Little effort is made by the enemy to conceal his 
preparations for the attack. Indeed, the massing of 
troops and artillery south of the Marne, immediately 
north-eastward of CHATEAU THIERRY, indicates 
with practical certainty that the greatest effort of the 
Fifth German, or "Peace", Offensive is to be made 
against the American front, probably with a drive 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 47 

through the SURMELIN VALLEY, with MON- 
TIGNY as the objective. 

Foch Forestalls Enemy 

If made according to usual German tactics, the 
attack will probably be preceded by the customary 
artillery bombardment, but in this respect Marshal 
Foch decides to forestall the enemy, — in fact, to 
serve notice upon him that his plans and intentions 
have been discovered, — and he therefore sends 
orders to Allied battery commanders which result in 
a sudden downpour of gas-shells upon the enemy s 
lines at 8 o'clock on the evening of July 14th. 

Enemy Terrifically Bombarded 

Filling the air with poisonous death-dealing vapors, 
the bombardment descends upon German hosts 
coming forward in the darkness over roads and 
woodland paths through the BOIS de BARBILLON 
and the FORET de FERE toward the Marne. It 
takes them by surprise and spreads fear and demor- 
alization among them, but, with iron discipline aa 
ingrained habit, and driven by a greater fear of 
their own masters than of the enemy, they come on 
and on in spite of losses, massing for the attack. 

For over three hours this gas-shell deluge of the 
German lines is continued until just before midnight, 
when the bombardment is changed into a destructive 
artillery fire in which every French and American 
battery joins. ^ 

Germans Respond Fiercely 

Finally, after midnight the enemy guns respond, 
inaugurating an artillery duel notable for the fact 
that 31 French and American batteries, by supe- 
rior spirit and technique, more than hold their own 
against the 84 German batteries pitted against them. 



48 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Increasing in intensity the German bombardment 
literally showers the sector of the 3rd Division, from 
left to right and front to rear, with shrapnel, high 
explosive, and gas shells of all calibers. Falling trees 
and exploding shells destroy all telephone lines and 
wireless antennae, putting out of action all means of 
liaison among the units of the division. In attempting 
to maintain communication men of the divisional 
field signal battalion are killed at their instruments, 
while others trying to re-establish destroyed lines 
meet death in the artillery storm. Runners pressed 
into service fall with their messages undelivered. It 
IS apparently the enemy's idea to paralyze our lines 
with this terrific artillery deluge, but our troops, 
though suffering heavy losses, weather the storm 
with fortitude and determined spirits, holding their 
ground everywhere, in readiness to meet the German 
hordes if they succeed in crossing the Marne. Mean- 
while, the artillery duel continues, throughout the 
night, after dawn, and far into the next day. 

Enemy Masses Forces; Begins Crossing Marne 

While this artillery interchange is in progress, the 
enemy, under the cover of intense darkness, succeeds 
in massing his forces at various points along the river 
from CHATEAU THIERRY eastward to CHAVIG- 
NY. Meanwhile, the enemy bombardment directed 
upon our front lines changes into an intense barrage 
which continues until about 3:30 a. m., when, preceded 
by a concealing smoke screen thrown in front of them 
by their artillery, the Germans begin crossing the 
Marne with canvas boats, rafts, and pontoons at differ- 
ent points from GLAND to DORMANSon the east. 

Efforts Against 3rd American Division 

In order to visualize this Drama of the Marne as a 




Maj.-Gen. James G. Harbord 
(Regular Army, of Illinois) 
Commanded Marine Brigade at Chateau Thierry ; first Chief of Staff 
of the American Expeditionary Forces ; later, Commanding General, 
Services of Supply ; known as "Pershing's right-hand man". 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 49 

whole, it is necessary to dwell for a moment upon each 
scene in turn. Consider first the efforts of the enemy 
against the 3rd American Division, whose infantry 
regiments are the 4th, 7th, 30th, and 38th. In 
some of these efforts, all more or less simultaneous^ 
the enemy is decisively repulsed with heavy losses ; 
in others he is for a time successful. 

In Front of 4th U. S. Infantry 

In front of the 4th U. S. Infantry, holding the soulh 
bank of the river from Chateau Thierry to Blesmes 
no attempt is made to cross the river. 

Germans Severely Punished 

In the counter -barrage laid by our artillery on the 
north bank the enemy suffers serious casualties from 
the instant his forces attempt to gain the river. 
Debouching from the BOIS de BARBILLON 
between GLAND and MONT ST. PERE, an 
enemy regiment is caught by our artillery at the 
very exits of the woods and thrown back in confu - 
sion. Similarly, another enemy regiment in three 
successive attempts to reach the river east of MONT 
ST.-PERE is repulsed by our machine guns and 
artillery firing practically at point-blank range. In 
attempting to descend to the MARNE from the 
southern exits of the BOIS de JAULGONNE one 
German battalion is dispersed and thrown 
back, while another battalion , having cCtually 
begun'? its crossing, is practically annihilated 
when five of its six pontoons are sunk by our 
artillery concentration. 

Undismayed, Enemy Continues His Efforts 

In spite of these initial reverses, the enemy continues 
to mass troops on the banks of the Marne in order to 
launch his attack before dawn. 



50 DRAMA Of THE MARNE 

Defeated in attempts against the left half of the 
division sector, the enemy concenti'ates his efforts upon 
the river -line east of Mezy and in the Jaulgonne 
bend, succeeding finally in spanning the stream with 
two pontoon bridges over which elements of four 
German divisions pour across to the northern bank 
for drives both east and west of the crossing. Mean- 
while, other enemy detachments cross in boats and 
rafts, with machine guns mounted in their bows, 
firing as they come. 

7tls U. S. Infantry Is Attacked 

Pressing westward, crossing the plains of MEZY, 
an enemy column launches an attack against the 
7th U, S. Infantry, holding a sector from a point 
opposite GLAND to LA BRENTONNERIE 
FARM, northeast of FOSSOY. In countering this 
attack, the right flank of the regiment is exposed to 
attack from the right rear. 

Heroic Platoons Fight to Eirtinction 

While a new right flank line is being organized, 
other enemy detachments advancing along the river 
and railroad, hurl themselves upon forward elements 
of the regiment consisting of platoons of Companies 
**I*' and **F", which find themselves suddenly flanked 
on both sides. Protecting the exposed right flank 
of the regiment, these two platoons close in savage 
hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, and, though 
assailed again and again, hold their ground with such i 
tenacity that the Germans never succeed in passing 
beyond their position. In their heroic stand against 
superior numbers, the two platoons fight to the 
extinction of practically every man, and when the 
enemy retreats the ground is littered with a mingling 
of German and American dead. 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 51 



Another Platoon Wiped Out 

Similarly another platoon of Company « F », 
holding a position in a ravine just north of the railroad 
on the road running north from Fossoy to the river* 
isolated from the regiment, is caught by the German 
advance from the east. It fights valiantly until 
practically wiped out of existence, but none of the 
enemy succeed in passing its position ; here, too, the 
sanguinary nature of the struggle is told by a mingling 
of American and German dead upon the scene. 

The Regiment Counter-Attacks 

Meanwhile, with a new right-flank defense line 
established, the regiment launches a counter-attack 
against the enemy from FOSSOY and the BOIS 
d'AIGREMONT in the direction of LE RU 
CHAILLY FARM. From the BOIS d'AIGRE- 
MONT the enemy is driven to the wooded slopes 
north !of CREZANCY and from FOSSOY north 
across the plains of MEZY. With heavy losses in 
killed, wounded and prisoners, the enemy gradually 
falls back, so that before evening the regiment is 
reestablished in its original positions. 

30th U. S. Infantry Decimates Enemy 

Immediately on the right, extending the line of the 
division eastward, the 30th U. S. Infantry holds a 
sector from a point just northwest of Fossoy to an 
island opposite Mezy.When the enemy, sweeping down 
from the JAULGONNE BEND, assails this line, the 
regiment, having weathered the artillery storm, pours 
la terrific fire of rifles and machine guns into them, 
which sweeps the Germans off their feet, breaking 
up their attack before It gains any Impetus. In the 
vicinity of MEZY, enemy troops are literally mowed 



52 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

down as they try to advance. In whatever direction 
the Germans seek to gain ground, they are stopped 
and thrown back with heavy losses ; while those who 
succeed, by infiltration in the darkness, in penetrating 
our lines, find themselves surrounded and attacked 
on all sides by Americans. In this close-quarter 
fighting whole groups of enemy troops are captured 
or destroyed ; many, to escape death, surrender. So 
crushing and decisive is the enemy's defeat by the 
30th Infantry that the battle, in the regimental sector, 
practically ends at 10 o'clock in the morning (July 15), 
except for a minor operation the next day to clear the 
area of enemy stragglers and reestablish the original 
lines on the river. 

"The Rock of the Marne" 

While defensive fighting for the day on the left 
and center of the divisional front, from Chateau 
Thierry to Mezy, ends, as we have seen, virtually 
with an American victory at 10 o'clock in the morning, 
the battle is still/aging fiercely to the eastward. Here, 
on the extreme right, where the Germans crossed in 
front of the flanking French divisions, the situation is 
more serious, especially in theSURMELIN VALLEY, 
in whose defense the 38th U.S. Infantry (Colonel, 
later Brigadier-General, U. G. McAlexander, Regular 
Army, of Minnesota, commanding) wins the proud 
title of « The Rock of the Marne, » bestowed upon 
it by General Pershing. 

Surmelin Valley, A Tempting Prize I 

With a railroad and two good wagon roads, indis-^ 
pensable adjuncts to a line of supply for an advancing i 
army, SURMELIN VALLEY is a prize worth i 
seizing, — and defending. Indeed, of all the Marne' 
country between Chateau Thierry and Chalons, it is 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 53 

obvious that this valley tempts the German Crown 
Prince to a tremendous effort for its capture. 
Striking the Marne almost at a right angle, the 
valley^ runs straight south, with an uninterrupted 
view, to Montigny, six miles from its mouth ; east 
and west, it is flanked by steep hills forming some- 
what natural barriers of strategic importance. 

Germans* Decision to Seize Valley 

The German plans contemplate seizure of the 
valley and the capture of MONTIGNY by 10 a.m. 

Lines of Defense of 38th Infantry 

Roughly, the sector and lines of defense of the 38th 
U. S. Infantry, with its battalions echeloned in depth 
from the river to the rear, extend from the Marne 
south|down the valley as far as the town of St. Eugene, 
and along the Marne from the railroad station in 
Mezy to a point west of Varennes 

Enemy Begins Effort to Cross River 

Holding positions for a thousand yards along the 
river front, the second battalion is the first echelon of 
the regiment to meet the enemy. When at daylight, 
protected by their rolling barrage and covered by 
the smoke-screen thrown in front of them, the 
Germans attempt to cross in boats and pontoons 
immediately in front of the battalion, they are con- 
fronted by rifle, automatic rifle, and machine-gun fire 
at almost point-blank range, poured into them through 
the mist and smoke shrouding the river. Scores of 
enemy boats, rafts and pontoons are shattered and 
sunk with practically all on board. In every effort 
to land on the right and center of the battalion front, 
the Germans are repulsed with heavy losses. 



54 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Crossing Made ; Desperate Fighting 

However, on the left, held by Company « G », 
upon whose position intense machine-gun fire has 
been concentrated, the enemy, after an hour of 
repeated effort, is finally successful in landing. In 
opposing the enemy hordes, the platoon of the 
company nearest the river, surrounded and assailed 
on all sides, fighting bravely in a bitter and bloody 
struggle, is wiped out to a man ; the second platoon, 
supporting the first, is also overwhelmed, but battles 
on until only a few survivors are left. In giving up 
their own lives, however, the heroes of these platoons 
exact a heavy toll of the enemy before being conquered, 
as shown by heaps of German dead strewing the river 
bank. 

Deadly Struggle Continues 

With the two forward platoons wiped out, the 
brunt of the attack, waged for the possession of the 
MEZY railhead, falls on the remaining two platoons 
of the company which immediately close with the 
enemy in a deadly struggle. It lasts for hours, but 
the Germans are finally repelled ; the railhead remains 
in our hands ; and thus are their comrades avenged by 
the remnants of Company « G ». 

Enemy Forges Ahead on Left 

In the meantime,enemy troops thrown across the river 
at MONT ST. PERE have, in their advance against 
the 30th Infantry on the left, gained in some numbers 
the wooded heights west of Mezy, from which the 
left flank of the 38th Infantry is exposed to attack. 
In order to protect this exposed left flank and to 
checkmate any move the enemy may make against it, 
the river -line battalion of the regiment immediately 
widens its sector and improves its positions. 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 55 

A Critical Situation 

While the left elements of the regiment are thus 
contending against the enemy, the right is also engaged 
in fierce battle ; for, simultaneously with the successful 
sortie which threw his forces across the Marne in the 
Jaulgonne Bend, the enemy effects another crossing 
in force at REUILLY and PASSY, midway between 
Jaulgonne and Dor mans. In the face of a resolute 
advance, assailed by heavy enemy masses, the French, 
holding the river-line immediately east of the 3rd Divi- 
sion, retire, thereby exposing the right flank of the 38th 
Infantry to attack from the JAULGONNE BEND 
and the high hills extending southward along the east 
side of the Surmelin Valley. With both flanks thus 
in the air, the regiment is attacked on all sides, but 
in a brilliant tactical maneuver it turns its right to 
face the enemy on a new front, throwing that exposed 
flank across the hill slopes toward Varennes already 
in German hands. Meanwhile, on the left, the battle 
rages in the vicinity of MEZY. Platoons, companies 
and battalions find themselves, not only assailed on 
both flanks and from the rear, but surrounded at 
times, — battling in a vaporous mist of smoke and 
gas from exploding shells, with enemy machine guns 
pouring a leaden rain into them from adjacent heights 
and aeroplanes spraying bullets down upon them 
from above. 

AnJEpic^Battle 

It is an epic battle in which the 38th infantry more 
than sustains the prestige gmned by other American 
troops, driving into the Germans the truth that once 
more they have met their masters. Machine guns, 
automatic rifles and rifles, though worked by hands 
hitherto untried in batde, pour a deadly fire into the 
enemy ; hand-grenades blow them to bits ; bayonets 



56 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



cut them down. Fighting desperately, beating the 
Germans off, killing or capturing those who had gained 
its rear, the left repulses the enemy and holds its 
ground. Meanwhile, the right flank, with the 
advantage of position on the heights gained by its 
maneuver, mows down the enemy's forces, driving 
them back in defeat. In every effort to dislodge the 
regiment the enemy fails ; the battle ends in the after- 
noon with the Germans held at bay at VARENNES 
on the right and clinging to the river bank north of 
MEZY on the left. In an action which General 
Pershing describes as, « One of the most brilliant 
pages in our military annals », the 38th Infantry, 
though suffering heavy losses, has defeated the battle- 
experienced enemy at every turn. 

Surmelin Valley Barred Against Enemy 

With its forward elements holding their positions 
on the river bank and others covering the villages of 
MOULINS, PAROY and LAUNAY, the regiment 
thus bars the mouth of the SURMELIN VALLEY 
against the enemy until evening, when, in view of 
a possible renewal of attacks from the southeast 
where the enemy has pierced the French lines to 
a depth of three miles, the advanced units are 
withdrawn and a strong new line of resistance is 
formed on the crest of the western flank of the valley. 
It is evident, though, that the enemy has had quite 
enough of the 38th Infantry ; no further attempts 
are made against the regiment or the division. 

Brilliant Achievement of 3rd Division 

In its first great battle, though it has met no less 
than twenty-one separate and distinct units of the 
German army, the 3rd American Division has defi- 
nitely defeated two divisions of veteran enemy troops 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 57 

(10th and 36th Guards) and has contributed more 
than any other single Allied battle-unit to the stopping 
of the Fifth German Offensive. 

Pennsylvanians Receive Baptism of Fire 

Meanwhile, the 28th American (« Keystone ») 
Division is doing yeoman service toward the east 
where the Germans have crossed the Marne in force 
in front of the flanking French divisions. 

When the battle begins the division is holding 
support positions behind the 3rd American and the 
39th and 125th French Divisions. In the artillery 
interchange preceding the attack, when the enemy 
showers the front lines and rear areas with high 
explosive and gas, the division, without previous 
battle experience, receives its baptism of fire. In 
scattered detachments, sent here and there to support 
weak or threatened points, the division later expe- 
riences almost as much actual fighting as if it were in 
the front lines. 

German Hordes Sweep Down Upon Our Troops 

Immediately after crossing the Marne east of the 
Jaulgonne Bend, the German hordes sweep swiftly 
down from COURTEMONT and REUILLY south 
of the BOIS de CONDE and south of ST. AGNAN 
around to COMBLIZY, in their attempt to separate 
the French and American troops. 

A Company Does Heroic Work 

In this swift drive of the enemy, one company 
(« M ») of the 109th Infantry, isolated on the river 
bank, fights a heroic little delaying action. Guarding 
the bridge south of PASSY, the company holds its 
position when assailed by the Germans until it is 
flanked on both sides. Hard pressed, it falls back 
fighting to another position on the wooded slopes of 



58 DRAMA OT THE MARNE 

the BOIS de C0ND£ and finally to a third position at 
the woodland farm of LE GRANGE-aux-BOIS, 
where, holding its ground resolutely until noon, It 
is finally relieved by the regiment. 

Villages Change Hands Several Times 

In their swift advance from the river, the Germans 
take ST. AGNAN and LA CHAPELLE before the 
French in their forced retirement, halt and face the 
enemy. Withjthe troops of the 28th Division in the 
second line, the French launch a counter-attack, 
precipitating a sanguinary struggle in which these 
two villages change hands several times during the 
afternoon, with the enemy in final possession of them 
when the battle here ceases for the day (July 1 5th) 

Germans Are Stopped 

In the meantime, the 1 09th U. S. Infantry, coming 
forward to aid the French, establishes a line of 
resistance extending from the northern edges of the 
BOIS de ROUGIS westward to CONDten-BRIE. 
while French detachments, under the protection of 
the 108th and 109th U.S. Machine Gun Battalions, 
pouring a deadly fire into the enemy, take position 
from DANNEJEU FARxM, through the village of 
CONNIGIS, down into the SURMELIN VALLEY, 
connecting there with the 30th Infantry, of the 3rd 
American Division, on the left. With this line 
established and firmly held at 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon, the enemy is stopped, bringing the 
battle to an end here, too, for the day. 

Enemy Is Counter-Attacked 

Immediately after daybreak the following day 
(July 16th), French reinforcements having come into 
the sector during the night, preparations are made for 
a counter-attack to regain territory lost to the enemy. 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSiVE 59 

Hostilities, commenced at 10 o'clock, bring on a 
battle that continues, with varying fortunes for both 
sides, throughout the day. In two successive counter- 
attacks, one in the morning and another in the after- 
noon, the enemy successfully holds his ground against 
the American and French troops, but by evening the 
combined forces succeed in retaking, first, LA* 
CHAPELLE and ST. AGNAN. as well as the 
important strategical points of HILL 241 and HILL 
223, and, later, CHEZY and MONTLEVON. 
driving the Germans back from the southern edges 
of the BOIS de C0ND£ toward the Marne. 

Germans Attempt to Send Reinforcements 

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Germans attempt 
to throw additional forces across the river at two 
points to reinforce their defeated troops, at GLAND, 
just east of Chateau Thierry, in front of the 3rd Amer- 
ican Division, and at MAREUIL-le-PORT, near 
Dormans, in front of the French, but in each 
instance their efforts are repulsed with heavy 
losses. 

Enemy Success Only Partial and Temporary 

While the enemy has succeeded in crossing the 
Marne at various points between Chateau Thierry 
and Dormans, he has, as we have seen, been thwarted 
in every effort to add advances of any consequence to 
his initial success, with the result that nightfall of 
July 16th finds his forces, held back on the left by 
the 3rd American Division and on the right by the 
French supported by the 28th American Division 
in possession of only a narrow strip, south of the river, 
in the J AULGONNE BEND, with a precarious hold, 
upon a few other positions eastward between Reuilly 
and Dormans. Reliable estimates are that the enemy. 



• 60 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

having thrown twenty-hve thousand troops across the 
Marne, re-crosses eventually with only fifteen thou- 
sand, leaving the rest on the south bank as casualties 
in killed, wounded and prisoners. 

Germans Fail Completely 

In the last analysis, therefore, the Fifth German 
Offensive has, in this sector, resulted in a disastrous 
defeat, and in an equally disastrous failure of plans 
which, with a swift and forceful drive first through 
Surmelin Valley, thence southeastward, were 
aimed at the capture of Epernay and Chalons, in 
conjunction with the attack against Reims and the 
Champagne Front. 

Extent of German Offensive 

While the Fifth German Offensive is made up of 
several distinct major operations, these, though 
widely separated, are nevertheless closely inter- 
related. It is upoUjt^his operations, simultaneously 
launched July 1 5th, against the Eastern Face of the 
Marne Salient and against Reims and the Champagne 
Front, over 40 miles eastward of Reims, that the 
enemy depends for success in his concerted attack 
upon the entire front of 60 miles from Chateau 
Thierry to a point a few miles west of the Argonne 
Forest. 

Part Played by 42nd American Division 

In the defensive operations of the Fourth 
French Army, commanded by General Gouraud, 
defending Reims and the Champagne Front, an 
important part is played by the 42nd Ame'^ican 
(« Rainbow ») Division. (National Guard 
troops of District of Columbia and 26 States, — 
Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, 
Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 61 

Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New 
Jersey, New York, North Caroh'na, Ohio, Oklahoma, 
Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, 
Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin. Major-General Charles 
T. Menoher, Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, 
commanding.) 

In a sector lying, roughly, between Auberive-sur- 
Suippe on the west, and Perthes-les-Hurlus on the 
east, with the famous Roman road traversing the 
length of it, the troops of the 42nd Division occupy 
intermediate and second line positions, m support 
of the 170th French Division on the left and f the 
13th French Division on the right. 

Gouraud*s Clever "Elastic Defense*' 

In common with other Allied commanders. General 
Gouraud has ample warning of the impending enemy 
attack and has prepared a surprise for the Germans 
in the form of a scheme of « Elastic defense », in which, 
with successive lines of intrenchments extending a 
great distance from front to rear, he retires all his 
troops from'^the front lines, except delaying detach- 
ments, massing them for resistance on intermediate 
lines from which, if too hard pressed, they may retire 
to still stronger second and third lines » Moreover, 
this clever plan of « Elastic defense » makes General 
Gouraud absolute master of his terrain, compelling 
the Germans to battle on ground of his selection, 
subject to machine-gun and artillery fire carefully 
worked out in advance from maps. 

Enemy Lured to Their Doom 

When the German oflfensive against the 60-miIe 
front from Chateau Thierry eastward almost to the 
Argonne Forest is launched July 15th, tremendous 
masses are hurled against the semi-circle half encir- 



62 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

clmg Reims and against the Champagne Front to the 
eastward, but, by virtue of the « Elastic defense »„ 
the enemy wastes much of his long preliminary 
bombardment upon empty or lightly-held front lines. 
When, following closely behind their protective 
barrage, three attacking divisions assail the front lines 
at 4:15 a. m., they are held up by the delaying 
detachments under the terrific fire of the French and 
American counter-barrage, checking their impetus and 
inflicting terrible losses upon them. While the 
forward lines of the assailants are shattered and 
broken, those coming behind, line upon line, persist 
in the attack, in spite of losses, spurred on, probably, 
by the apparent ease with which they overrun the 
lightly-held front line trenches. Ignorant of the 
deception practised upon them, lured on to their 
doom, they continue their advance, reaching the real 
combat positions finally at 7 a. m.. Met by machine- 
gun and rifle fire, directed with killing accuracy, 
the enemy troops make manful efforts to storm the 
intermediate and second lines held by French units 
and three battalions of the 42nd Division, but their 
attacks, repeated often and furiously, break down 
time after time. In seven successive attacks made 
before 1 1 :30 a. m., against the intermediate lines 
held by one battalion of the 166th U. S. Infantry 
(Ohio troops), the enemy is repeatedly repulsed. 

Germans Thrown Back Everywhere 

So successful is the scheme of « Elastic defense » 
that by noon, the Germans, staggering under frightful 
losses, have been thrown back everywhere into the 
old French front lines, upon which the French and 
American artillery, familiar with every angle, trench 
and dugout, maintains a searching and crushing fire 
upon their shattered ranks. 



DEFEATING FIFTH GERMAN OFFENSIVE 63 

Enemy Doggedly Counter-Attacks 

In spite of this sudden and to them unexpected 
reverse, it is not in the nature of things that the 
Germans, however broken in morale, will accept 
their defeat without another effort to break the 
French-American lines ; for, defeat here, together 
with defeat elsewhere, especially on the line of the 
Marne, means a total failure of thejr offensive upon 
the entire front. In anticipation of a forceful counter- 
attack, three additional battalions of the 42nd Division 
are therefore brought forward during the afternoon 
into the intermediate position to aid in countering 
any move the enemy may make. In the evening, 
as anticipated, the Germans, reinforced by fresh 
troops, make a general attack along the entire Cham- 
pagne Front, but in this they suffer a humiliating defeat 
again, being repulsed everywhere. 

Nibbles at Forlorn Hope 

Several local attacks, nibbles at forlorn hope here 
and there, are made the next day (July 16th), 
but these too are repulsed, and the enemy, with the 
force of his effort spent the first day of the attack, 
settles down to vent his rage in a vicious bombardment 
maintained upon our front and rear areas conti- 
nuously until, convinced of defeat, he begins with- 
drawing his attack divisions (July 1 9th). 

42nd Division Withdraws 

Preliminary to service elsewhere in the theater of 
war, the 42nd Division is withdrawn from the battle- 
field, retiring, July 18th- 19th, to LA FERT£-sous- 
JOUARRE for a few days' rest, having sustained 
casualties of 450 officers and men killed and 
1,350 wounded. 



64 DRAMA OF THE MARNE ■ 

Fifth German Offensive Complete Failure 

On the Champagne Front and on the semi-circle 
of Reims, the « Elastic defense « has resulted in complete 
victory for Allied arms. With the enemy's legions 
shattered and at bay, along the entire battleline of 
60 miles from Chateau Thierry to the Argonne, the 
Fifth and last German Offensive is completely 
broken. 

And so ends the Third Act of the Drama. 

FOURTH ACT 

Passing from Defensive to Offensive 

Scene I : Seizing initiative, Foch delivers coun- 
ter stroke and caves in|Western Face 
of Marne Salient. 

Scene II : Taking advantage of Crown Prince's 
predicament, Foch crushes in Eastern 
Face of Salient. 

Scene I 

Awaiting the Psychological Moment to Strike 

While the Kaiser's legions are going down into the 
defeat of the Fifth German Offensive, Marshal Foch 
behind the scenes, tensely, calmly, awaits the psycho- 
logical moment to strike. While agreed to in principle, 
the decision to seize the initiative, to change from the 
defensive to the offensive, and to deliver a counter- 
stroke, remains to be executed when developments 
of battle shall disclose a vulnerable point of attack as 
well as the psychological moment. So, Marshal Foch, 
playing the game with the foresight and skill of the 
master tactician and strategist, anticipates and check^ 
mates each move of his opponent, watching meanwhile 
for the opportunity to take instant advantage of the 
enemy's weaknesses and mistakes. 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 65 

Enemy's Blind and Arrogant Faith 

Faith, blind and arrogant, in his own strength and 
invincibiHty is the enemy's greatest weakness ; doubt, 
first, of the possibiHty and, next, of the value, of 
American military aid, is his greatest mistake. In the 
face of overwhelming evidence the German High 
Command stubbornly refuses to believe in the 
existence of Allied reserves. In its very inception 
the enemy's offensive is therefore predicated upon 
false premises. 

Crown Prince Blunders 

In allowing the Imperial Crown Prince, catering to 
that individual's colossal conceit, to launch upon a 
front of 60 miles a number of co-related and inter- 
dependent attacks and to throw his legions across the 
Marne without waiting to hear the results of the 
thrust at Reims and the attack in the Champagne, 
is the enemy's most fatal and stupendous military 
blunder. 

Playing Into Foch's Hands 

Playing thus into the hands of the Allied Command- 
er-in-Chief, the enemy continues his blind sledge- 
hammer blows in ignorance of Marshal Foch's 
unobserved preparations, both tactical and strategical, 
for his forthcoming counter-stroke. Meanwhile, with 
his American counter -weights in reserve and enough 
troops in his front lines to stem the tide of conflict, 
the Allied Commander-in-Chief permits .the Crown 
Prince to hurl his forces beyond recall into a battle 
in which defeat first, and retreat from the field 
afterwards, are inevitable. 

Enemy Lured On by Blind Confidence 

In spite of a superiority of numbers actually engaged 
upon the battlefield the enemy has nowhere gained 



66 DRAMA OF THE MAUNE 



more than a few miles of ground and is being repulsed 
and driven back, with terrific losses, at practically 
all points of attack by a lesser number of Allied 
divisions. Still, lured on by blind confidence in 
waning strength and lost invincibility, the enemy 
hurls more legions into the vortex of battle until he 
has involved practically 25 % of his forces on the 
Western Front, fifty divisions, in the ironically named 
« Peace Offensive » before realizing the hopelessness 
of his assault against the Eastern Face of the Marne 
Salient, the futility of his thrust at Reims, and the 
abortiveness of his drive on the Champagne Front. 
Enemy Makes Fatal Error 
In the concentration of these forces between 
Chateau Thierry and the Argonne the enemy has 
reduced to a dangerous minimum the defenders of 
other sectors of his far-flung battlelines. Particularly 
m the Marne Salient is this flagrant military error 
committed ; for, first, in massing his legions against 
the Eastern Face of the Salient and next, in reinforcing 
divisions shattered in the attack against it, the enemy 
withdraws troops from the Western Face, reducing 
the forces defending that supremely important flank 
to the point of fatal weakness. 

Foch Makes Discovery 
Movements incident to this withdrawal result in 
the discovery of a reduction of enemy forces on the 
Western Face of the Salient to eleven divisions holding 
a front of 30 miles from Chateau Thierry to the River 
Aisne, northwest of Soissons. Six reserve divisions 
are held in the Salient ostensibly as supporting troops, 
but as these are more likely to be called upon to reir- 
force the enemy's attacking lines upon the eastern 
flank, the task of holding the Western Face of the 
SeHent rests upon the reduced defending force. 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 67 

Allied Strength 

In the opposing Allied lines, holding the same front ' 
are twelve divisions, superior to the enemy in aggre- 
gate strength, with ten more divisions behind the 
lines or in striking distance within twenty-four 
hours. 

Pershing Prepares to Strike Hard 

In addition thereto. General Pershing, seizing the 
opportunity to support his own reiterated conviction 
of the vulnerability of the Marne Salient, places 
every American division with any sort of training at 
the disposal of the Allied Commander-in-Chief for 
use in the forthcoming counter-offensive. 

Foch Calmly Awaits Psychological Moment 

When the fatal weakness of the Western Face of 
the Salient is disclosed, the great battle is, however, 
still in its early defensive stages. While a front 
vulnerable to attack is thus suddenly revealed to 
Marshal Foch, the psychological moment to strike 
has not yet come ; for the battle must be fought to 
its logical turning point. Possibly a less skillful 
commander than he might allow impatience to override 
judgment into disaster, but Marshal Foch, in confi- 
dence of victory, holds his pawns in check, permitting 
the Crown Prince, in ignorance of the coming denoue- 
ment, to hurl legion after legion to defeat and destruc- 
tion until the German casualties approach 1 00,000 men . 

Foch Completes His Plan 

Meanwhile, however, discovery of the weakness of 
the Western Face of the Salient moves Marshal Foch 
to the rapid completion of his plans behind the scenes, 
not only for a local counter -thrust at some selected 
point of vulnerability, but, if this be successful, for a 



68 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

general attack involving the entire Marne Salient in 
conjunction with offensive operations eastward at 
Reims and on the Champagne Front. 

Brilliant Strategical Conception 

Marshal Foch's scheme is a brilliant strategical 
conception which, if successful at the initial thrust, 
is absolutely certain to result in defeat for the enemy 
in a greater or less degree ; for, with the Western 
Face of the Salient between Chateau Thierry and 
Soissons driven in upon his right wing, while his 
legions are engaged along the entire Eastern Face, 
the Crown Prince must either break off the battle 
and retreat out of the Salient or risk the capture and 
destruction of his army. In either case defeat is 
inevitable. 

It is thus that Marshal Foch has crystallized his 
plans to seize the initiative, to change from the 
defensive to the offensive, and to deliver his counter- 
stroke, when the fleeting moments of battle reveal 
an extremely sensitive part of the enemy's line imme- 
diately southwest of Soissons as the most vulnerable 
point of attack for the initial thrust, and, like a flash 
of lightning, the great Marshal acts with swiftness 
and decision. 

Americans and French Moroccans Honored 

For the post of honor, to launch the thrust. Marshal 
Foch selects the 1st and 2nd American Divisions, now 
veterans in battle, and the 1st Moroccan Division, * 
most famous of the French colonial troops, assigning 
them as front-line battle units to the 20th French 
Corps. 



* The 1st Moroccan Division, at this time, includes the remnants of 
the famous Foreign Legion of France, now reduced to a regiment. 



CAVING I N WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 69 

Orders Flashed to 1st and 2nd Divisions 

Preparatory orders, flashed forth to these fighting 
units immediately upon the selection of the pomt of 
attack, find the I st American Division (Major-General 
Charles P. Summerall, Regular Army, of Florida, 
now in command) on the road to its rest area followmg 
a long period of participation with the French in the 
defense of the Montdidier Salient after the famous 
battle of Cantigny. With an instant and enthusiastic 
response, the division starts at once by motor trucks 
for its battle-staging area southwest of Soissons. 

Summons to battle finds the 2nd American Division 
(Major-General James G. Harbord, Regular Army, 
of Illinois, now in command) resting behmd the lines. 
While its units have scarcely recovered from the 
strenuous exertions put forth in the brilliant actions 
of Belleau Woods, Bouresches and Vaux, which 
stopped the German drive for Paris, the division takes 
the road in trucks for its battle-rendez-vous near the 
western side of the Foret de Villers-Cotterets. 

Foch Shows Faith in American Troops 

In addition to selecting the 1st and 2nd American 
Divisions for posts of honor in the counter-thrust. 
Marshal Foch gives equally important roles to other 
American units ; for, to the 1st American Corps, with 
the 26th American (« Yankee ») Division and the 
1 67th French Division under its command, is assigned 
the difficult task of acting as the pivot of the counter 
offensive in its initial phases and as the marching 
pivot once it is under way, on the right flank of the 
Western Face of the Salient at the apex point near 
Chateau Thierry, while the 3rd American Division, 
still engaged in its great battle against the enemy o*^ 
the banks of the Marne east of Chateau Thierry, is 
given the mission of carrying forward the marching 



70 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



left flank of an advance destined to swing the Eastern 
Face of the Salient toward the River Vesle. 

It is thus that Marshal Foch shows his faith in his 
American counter- weights, placing them at salient 
points where success is vital to his plans for the 
coming counter-offensive. 

4th American Division Appears Upon Stage 

Meanwhile, a new American unit, hitherto untried 
in battle, has come forward into the battle zone to 
participate in the coming counter-offensive, the 
4th American Division. (Regular troops. Major- 
General George H.Cameron, Regular Army, of Illinois, 
commanding. For regiments and other units 
composing the division, see page 579.) 

With its training only partially completed in the 
middle of July, the division is brought forward from 
second line positions west of the RIVER OURCQ 
between the FORET VILLERS-COTTERETS and 
LIZY-sur-OURCQ, some 35 miles northeast of Paris, 
to front line positions, midway between the 20th 
French Corps and the 1st American Corps, to operate 
in detached units with the 33rd and 164th French 
Divisions. 

Foch Still Awaits Psychological Moment 

In the meantime. Marshal Foch, behind the scenes, 
is watching every phase of the battle still in progress 
from the line of the Marne to the Champagne Front. 
While awaiting the psychological moment, he is 
massing other forces, twenty divisions on each flank 
of the Marne Salient, for the general counter-offensive 
with which, — following swiftly on the heels of the 
initial thrust or going hand-in -hand with it as battle 
developments may warrant, — 'it is planned to cave 
in upon the enemy, first the Western Face of the 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 7> 

Salient from the River Aisne to Chateau Thierry, and 
then the Eastern Face from Chateau Thierry to 
Reims. 

Absolute Secrecy Marks Preparations 
Secrecy of plan and action is observed by Marshal 
Foch in all his moves ; for, surprise is the one great 
element essential to success in the initial thrust, as 
well as in the general counter-oilensive to follow. 
Simple marching orders are issued to battle units ; 
movements behind the lines are made at night or, 
if in daylight, over roads and paths camouflaged and 
hidden from the enemy ; in positions of readiness for 
the advance, troops lie concealed from enemy aero- 
planes in dense forests, behind wooded hills, or, 
scattered by detachments, in humble villages. In all 
this only the usual routine activity behind the lines 
appears on the surface and so carefully are movements 
made that even the soldiers making them do not divme 
their specific purpose. It is only to the individual 
commanders concerned and their confidential staff 
officers that Marshal Foch, by secret and detailed 
orders and instructions, discloses his plans for the 
thrust and the counter-offensive. 

Psychological Moment Has Come 

Meanwhile, the enemy's attacks against the Eastern 
Face of the Marne Salient are being repulsed and the 
Fifth German Offensive is going down into defeat all 
along the front of 60 miles from the Marne to the 
Champagne. When reports to this effect reach him, 
— with the legions of the Crown Prince reeling under 
the counter blows of the French and American troops 
on both the left and the right flanks of their attack, 
discouraged, demoralized and shattered by defeat, — 
Marshal Foch decides that the psychological moment 
t ) strike has come, and, with the swiftness and 



72 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

smashing energy of the panther, he pounces upon 
the enemy. 

Curtain Rises Upon Last Act of Drama 

With the stage thus set, the curtain now rises upon 
the Fourth, and last, Act of the Drama of the 
Marne. 

Battle Units Receive Their Orders 

Immediate orders go forth to the battle units 
selected for the initial thrust, and so, under the cover 
of intense darkness, in the midst of a blinding 
ramstorm, the 20th French Corps, with the 1st Ameri- 
can Division on the left, the 1st Moroccan Division 
m the center, and the 2nd American Division on the 
right, moves forward towards the point of attack 
during the night of July 17th to strike the unsus- 
pecting enemy at dawn. 

Americans and Moroccans " Over the Top ** 

Without the usual preliminary artillery preparation 
to warn the enemy of the imminence of attack, the 
counter-thrust is launched at 4:35 a. m., (July 18th) 
when the 20th French Corps suddenly goes « Over 
the top )' on a four-mile front between CUTRY 
and CHAVlGNY FARM near the eastern fringes of 

the FORET de VILLERS-COTTERETS. 

Rolling Barrage Precedes Advancing Troops 

Simultaneously with their advance, a rolling barrage 
is thrown down in front of the attacking troops, 
jumping along ahead of them at the rate of a hundred 
yards every three minutes. It is the unheralded 
descent upon his lines of this protecting curtain of 
exploding shells that gives the enemy his first intima- 
tion of an assault, but so suddenly are both the barrage 
and the attacking waves upon thern that the Germans.. 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 73 

surprised and bewildered, scarcely realize what has 
happened before the Americans and Moroccans sweep 
down upon them and drive them from their defenses. 

German Artillery Responds, 
but Our Assaulting Waves Rush On 

While the German artillery makes a quick response, 
it is feeble and poorly directed, and therefore of little 
aid to the enemy infantry in their efforts to stop the 
onrush of the assaulting waves that so suddenly 
overwhelms them in the gloom of early dawn. 

Object of Initial Thrust 

1 1 is the specific object of the initial thrust, as a 
preliminary to an advance upon the entire Western 
Face of the Marne Salient, to capture the commanding 
heights south of Soissons and to cut the Soissons- 
Paris railway and the Soissons-Chateau Thierry Road, 
the enemy's main arteries of supply in the Salient. 

Regular Tidal Wave 

However, from the|instant the thrust is launched 
it is so successful that it carries forward the lines 
both north and south of it, converting supporting 
attacks into advancing attacks, except at the apex-hinge 
west of Chateau Thierry where, in the initial stages, 
the 1st American Corps is performing the supremely 
important work of pivot for the whole Western Face 
of the Salient. 

Presently, therefore, the whole front of 30 miles 
is blazing away with artillery and machine guns and 
the unprepared and surprised enemy finds his reduced 
defending force assailed everywhere from Chateau 
Thierry north-westward to the River Aisne, while 
most of the Crown Prince's legions are still engaged 
in a losing battle on the Eastern Face from Chateau 
Thierry eastward. 



74 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



We Advance Along Entire Front r 

Within a few hours after the attack has becoire 
general, prisoners streaming back into the Allied 
lines, and reports of machine guns and artillery 
captured indicate that advances are being miade every- 
where along the front. 

Surprised, Enemy Makes Vain Resistance 

Still in the paralyzing grip of his first surprise, the 
enemy is able to offer little organized resistance, 
especially in the face of the smashing drive of the 
counter-thrust with which the 20th French Corps is 
making its bid for the heights of Soissons. 

Americans Dash Ahead of All Others 

With an impetuosity of spirit untouched by four 
years of war, the American troops on both the right 
and left flanks of the Corps are forging ahead of their 
Moroccan comrades in the center, unchecked by 
losses in their ranks, driving the Germans before^them 
wherever encountered. 

Weeps for Sweethearts and Wives of Americans 

From his post of command on a hill overlooking 
the field. General Daugan, commanding the Moroccan 
Division, is watching the battle with tears in his eyes. . 

« Are things not going right. General ? », asks an 
American spectator. 

« Oh yes, everything is going right. But I weep 
for the sweethearts and wives of those Americans 
on our right and left* See how they go into battle ! 
With wonderful spirit and individual bravery, just 
as we did in 1914 ! My division, the flower of the 
French Army, cannot keep up with them, because 
those American boys ar? ^11 athletes and brave 
spldi^rs. 9 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 75 

Crown Prince in Desperate Predicament 

Resistance stiffens perceptibly towards noon, but 
it is not formidable enough to stop the progress of 
the attack. Little evidence of German reinforcements 
hag appeared, but in the afternoon the Crown Prince, 
with the right wing of his army assailed and driven 
in, is apparently aroused to the danger of attacks 
threatening both his flanks. It is a predicament to 
challenge the ingenuity of a commander more able 
than he. Without realizing the inevitable conse- 
quences, the enemy suddenly withdraws reserves, and 
even some of the battle-worn units resting behind 
the lines, from the Eastern Face, and, rushing them 
across the Salient, throws them desperately into an 
effort to halt the impetus of Marshal Foch's counter- 
stroke. 

Tide Has Turned 

But it is too late ! For the initiative has been 
seized and snatched forever from enemy hands, and the 
Allies have passed definitely from the defensive to 
the offensive. The tide has turned. 

**Je suis content", — Foch 

When reports reach him at nightfall of the first 
day*s results, showing average gains that have smashed 
through the German trench system to a depth of 
over two and a half miles practically along the entire 
front, with 1 7,000 prisoners taken and 250 pieces 
of artillery captured. Marshal Foch calmly remarks : 
" Je suis content. " (/ am satisfied.) 

DETAILS OF THE BATTLE 
Part Played by Each Division 

With a mental eye upon the whole front of thirty (30) 
miles, from the River Aisne to Chateau Thierry, let 



76 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

us'"now visualize the operations of the American 
divisions, each in turn, as they play their roles in the 
mighty whole of the counter-offensive. 

1st DIVISION j 

Position at Zero Hour 1 

Zero hour July 18th finds the infantry regiments 
(16th, 18th, 26th, 28th) of the 1st American Division 
holding trenches taken over during the night from the 
1 st Moroccans on the eastern edges of a ravine between 
the villages of LAVERSINE and ST. PIERRE 
AIGLE, 8 miles southwest of Soissons and just north 

of the FORET DE VILLERS-COTTERETS. In 
front, across the plateau running east from CUTRY, 
the sector of the division runs due east with the 
villages of MISSY-aux-BOIS, PLOISY and BERZY- 
le-SEC in a straight hne, towards the heights south 
of Soissons. 

With machine guns and artillery the enemy has 
converted the two ridges running north from MISSY 
aux-BOIS and northeast from PLOISY towards 
Soissons, into formidable strongpomts for the 
protection of the SOISSONS-VILLERS-COTTE- 
RETS-PARIS HIGHWAY, one of our important 
objectives. 

Division ''Jumps off* 

Reaching this objective means an advance of almost 
5 miles, over a wire-entangled terrain, but with the en- 
thusiasm born of their own confidence and a contempt 
for the enemy, the victors of Cantigny « Jump off >• 
promptly at 4:35 a. m., and behind a rolling barrage 
thrown down before them by their artillery, charge 
forward into the gray dawn towards the opposing lines 
held by ihree German divisions. 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 77 

4 , 

Enemy Surprised and Bewildered 

In the suddenness of the attack the enemy is sur- 
prised and bewildered and the division sv^^eeps on, 
in haison with the 153rd French division on the left 
and the 1st Moroccans on the right. 

First Objective Taken 

In less than an hour the enemy lines constituting 
the first objective are taken and a maze of trenches 
and wire to a depth of over a mile is penetrated, with 
httle resistance from the surprised Germans. 

Within two hours the 2nd Brigade (26th and 
28th Regiments), forming the left flank of the division, 
las penetrated the enemy's territory to a depth of 
almost three miles before encountering serious 
resistance. 

Second Objective Taken 

Sweepmg across the open tableland towards MISSY- 
luX'BOIS, an assault is launched against the second 
bjective line, running from that village to CRAVAN- 
:6N farm, one mile south. While the line itself, 
ifter a sharp struggle, is taken by the 26th and 28th 
nfantry, the enemy holds tenaciously to the heights 
lorthward in a desperate effort to prevent the 
:rossing of the SOISSONS-VILLERSXOTTERETS- 

^ARIS ROAD at this point. 

Other Successes 

Meanwhile, the 1st Brigade, with the 16th and 
8th U. S. Infantry regiments, advancing over more 
evel ground, has carried the right flank of the division 
orward in a rapid advance. It has quickly overrun 
nd taken its first, second, and third objectives in 
ecord time, and out-distancing the 1st Moroccans 
n the right, has crossed the SOISSONS-VILLERS- 



78 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



COTTERETS-PARIS ROAD, capturing the village 
of CHAUDUN, taken by the 18th Infantry, over a 
mile beyond. 

Enemy Recovering and Aroused 

It is apparent, however, that the enemy, recovering 
from his first surprise, is now thoroughly aroused ; for, 
not only is resistance stiffening, but, from the increased 
fire brought to bear upon the attacking forces, it is 
evident that local reserves are rushing to the aid of 
their hard -beset comrades. 

Americans Checked 

From the strong-points north of MISSY-aux- 
BOIS, and PLOISY the enemy sweep theSOISSONS- 
VILLERS-COTTERETS-PARIS ROAD with an, 
intense crossfire of machine guns, inflicting serious; 
losses and checking the 2nd Brigade for the first time 
in its rapid advance. 

With the 153rd French Division, having encoun- 
tered similar heavy resistance, held up on the left,, 
it is impossible for the 26th and 28th Infantry toi 
cross the road, without exposing the left flank andl 
rear of the Brigade to this annihilating fire. 

Sanguinary Struggle 

For the time being therefore the conflict on the; 
left flank centers about MISSY-aux-BOIS and the= 
ravine in which it lies, but both are finally won by the; 
2nd Brigade after a sanguinary struggle, though the^ 
enemy, with the advantage of position, succeeds infi 
holding the heights above and the plateau stretching? 
north from the village to the River Aisne. 

Darkn3ss Brings on Lull 

In support of the French division on the left, thei 
Brigade is compelled to maintain its ground, without* 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 79 



further efforts to advance, until evening, when darkness 
brings on a lull in the conflict. 

Meanwhile, the enemy concentrates heavy machine 
gun fire from the heights of CHAZELLE on the right 
flank of the division in the vicinity of CHAUDUN. 
With the enemy thus in possession of three comman- 
ding points of vantage in the path of its advance, 
on the heights of MISSY-«aux-BOIS, PLOISY and 
CHAZELLE, the division, in need of a respite after 
its swift thrust, rests upon its laurels for the night. 
Results for the Day 

In addition to accomplishing the important mission 
of crossing the SOISSONS-VILLERS-COTTE- 
RETS<.PARIS ROAD with its right flank, the 
division has taken from the enemy a great number 
of machine guns, 30 pieces of artillery of various 
calibers, and more than 2,000 prisoners, including a 
battalion of 500 men, surprised and compelled to 
surrender as a whole, with its commander and 
staff, when trapped in a stone quarry by a mere 
handful of Americans. 

When the advance thus ends for the day the division 
occupies a sem i -cir cular line astride the SOISSONS- 
VILLERS-COTTERETS- PARIS ROAD from 
CHAUDUN on the right, through CRAVANCON 
FARM, to MISSY-aux-BOIS on the left. 

Alarmed, Enemy Brings Up Reinforcements 

In obvious and thorough alarm over the attack 
which, without warning, has so suddenly smashed 
through his forward defenses, and now threatens 
his possession of Soissons, the enemy throws into his 
lines heavy reinforcements during the night, especially 
between MISSY-aux-BOIS and PLOISY and into 
positions at the head of the CHAZELLE ravine, 
fEcing CHAUDUN. 



80 DRAMA OF THK MAUNF. 

Division RcHiiiiK'H Adviuico 

In s|mI<' ol llir UK I ( ,i-,< <l iiiiiiilx I ;. opposiiij^ il, 
liowrvct, iIk- I:. I I )ivisi<ni rcsmiK's lis advaiuc al 
4<»\l<Mk III llir momiiij.', (July l^>^l li), sirikiiii,'; lor an 
.»l))<'«livc liiir hclwriii I'.I'J^/.Y l<> SIX' and HU- 
/AN( Y, lw(» lowns |)rt(ln'<l ii|M)ii i\\v lulls over- 
IcM.kniK iIh- valhy <>l llic CKISI'. KIVI'IR. llironu^li 
wliuli llu- Soissons Paris-C )nlt l»v l<" ^ lialcan Kailway 
aii<l iIk' Soissons-C lialtNUi i lii(!iiy iujjiioad run soulli 
from S«n . Oil.. 

Ki}i:ht Advances ; Left Is Checked 

Innncdialc siic(<'ss is gained hy \\\c I si l^rigade 
vvlucli (|nuklv .idv.iiu ("s llic n\!,\\[ of llu* division an<l 
caphiK's ( I IA/.I',I .1 .1',, liall way Ix'lwccn (Jiandnn 
and tlic lailioad, hnl on llir Icll llu^2nd Hi iiradc, Willi 
Ijeavy inarhino-gnn lire on its right from lUc sirong 
poinl ol Missy an X Hois and on its froni lioni the 
(MU'iny positions ahovc Ploisy. Iinds it imp()ssil)lo 
lo (loss the Soissons-VillerK ( ()llcit':ls-Paris Road 
without annihilating losses. I'Vciuh tanks, attoinpn- 
nying [\\c atlatk, allcinpl lo dislod}.',<* the ciuMny m 
th<* PI .OISY lavnu-. I>nl air shot to [nccos in lIuMr 
ciloits to icarh the (■ciinan positions. 

Left FiRlits Its Way Ahead 

With tlu' right ol the division so far aluad ol the 
left, a rrahgnnuMit ol the haltic line is ncrcssaiy 
hrloio Imilui i^rncM.d pio}',i<'ss tan he made and an 
attack IS ihcreloio laniuhcd against PLOISY hy thg^ 
2nd Uiiv'adc al *>: >0 o\lotk m iho alli'inoon, icsnllinc 
u\ tlrspciatc Ih'JjImi};. hnl ihrlM .OISY lavinc; is linally 
rlt\nt'd ol llu' enemy and a thousand prisoners an<l 
20 heUl gnns ate captured Ix^lore thcconlliet is hroughl 
to a elobc hy nightlall. 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 81 



Division Outdistances Units On Both Flanks 

In sv)lte of the resistance which ihe (hvision has 
met it has outdistanced the French Division on the 
left and the 1st Moroccans on the right, and, in view 
of ils advanced position in the thrust, the division 
is ordered to capture the towns of BERZY-le-SLC 
and BUZANCY, originally not included in its ob- 
jectives, but in those of the French divisions on its 
flanks. 

Enemy Brings Up More Reinforcements 

Realizing that loss of the railroad and the mam 
highway runnmg south from Soissons to Chateau 
Thierry will practically cut off the principal means 
of supply of his forces in the Marne Salient, — indeed, 
make the Salient itself untenable, — the enemy brings 
forward more reinforcements during the night, 
especially into the line covering BERZY-le-SEC, which 
stands like a sentinel on the heights commanding the 
valley of the Crise River below. 

Americans Prepare for Terrific Battle 

The following day (July 20th), with a terrific battle 
for the possession of the town and the commanding 
heights on which it is situated in prospect, the 1st Artil- 
lery Brigade concentrates a destructive i\fr. wpon 
BERZY-le-SEC. For two hours shells of all calibc^rs 
are poured into the town in i)reparation lor the 
infantry attack which is launched by the 2nd Brigade 
at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. While the destruc- 
tive artillery fire to winch they have been subjected 
has shaken the Germans, they meet the attack with 
determined resistance in defense of a stronghold the 
loss of which would be so fatal to their holdjfujKjn 
Soissons, and the rest of the Marnc Salient, 



82 DRAMA OF THE MARNt: 

Savage Fighting 

In a struggle which soon becomes a savage hand-to- 
hand conflict in which bayonets, trench knives, 
grenades and clubbed rifles are employed agamst one 
another by the opposing forces, the lines of battle 
surge back and forth throughout the afternoon and 
into the night. Positions are taken and retaken ; 
attacks and counter-attacks are made ; machine-gun 
nests change hands time and again, and, in spite of 
heavy losses on both sides, the epic battle among the 
shell-torn, smoking ruins of the town on the heights 
of BERZY-le-SEC continues with unabated fury. 
From commanding positions on the heights, a 
battery of enemy field guns throws a del age of shells 
upon the American attacking forces in the valley 
below, while machine guns sweep the slopes, pre- 
ventmg reinforcement of the assaulting lines. 

Our Troops Are Stopped 

Possessing the heights, the advantage lies with the 
defenders and therefore, with heavy losses in killed 
and wounded and exhaustion of many others in its 
ranks, the Brigade is finally compelled to discontinue 
the struggle for a brief rest before dawn (July 21). 

Brigade Resumes Fight 

Still determined to dislodge the enemy, the Brigade, 
reforming its attacking lines early in the morning and 
led by the Brigade Commander himself (Brigadier 
General Beaumont B. Buck, Regular Army, of Texas), 
charges forward in a last supreme effort to capture 
the stronghold. It is obvious that the Germans, 
themselves exhausted in the terrific struggle and 
weakened by heavy losses in their ranks, are not 
prepared for such a sudden revival of spirit and while 
resisting manfully in sheer desperation, find them- 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 83 

selves suddenly driven from their lines and assailed 
upon all sides before realizing what has happened. 

We Are Victorious 

With an irresistible force the attacking lines have 
swept up the slopes and into the smoking ruins of the 
town, overrunning the battery of field guns, capturing 
it, with dozens of machine guns and hundreds of 
prisoners. 

Victory, though at a great loss, is thus won at last, 
and, with it, the town and heights of BERZY-le-SEC 
are in American hands. 

Right Also Successful 

Meanwhile, the 1st Brigade, on the right, has added 
to the laurels of the division. In the face of stubborn 
resistance, the 16th and 18th Infantry have not only 
wrested from the enemy the territory between the 
heights of CHAZELLE and the PARIS-SOISSONS 
RAILWAY, but, crossing the railroad, have gained 
positions across the SOISSONS - CHATEAU 
THIERRY HIGHWAY. 

Marne Salient Now Doomed 

With all traffic by rail and road, through the valley 
of the Crise River, from Soissons to the south, thus 
effectually blocked, and with Soissons itself, as well 
as its railway yards, terminals, and depots, brought 
suddenly within range, at a distance of three or four 
miles, of destructive artillery fire from the heights 
of BERZY-le-SEC, the enemy's occupation of the 
Marne Salient is doomed. 

1st Division's Achievements 

Within four eventful days (July 18th'-22nd) the 
1st Division has not only accomplished the principal 
objects of the counter-thrust, but, in an advance close 



84 



DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



on to seven miles, has broken the hinge of the enemy's 
defensive line between the Aisne and the Marne, 
meeting and defeating seven different German divi- 
sions thrown against it by the enemy in desperate 
efforts to hold ground essential to his retention of 
the Marne Salient. 

In addition to taking a heavy toll of the enemy in 
killed and wounded, the division has captured 
3,500 prisoners, including 125 officers, as well as 
68 pieces of artillery, a great number of machine 
guns, and quantities of ammunition and materiel. 

Cost of Our Victory 

For these brilliant achievements, however, the 
division has paid the price of 7,000 casualties, with 
a loss of sixty per cent in killed and wounded among its 
infantry officers. In the 16th and 18th Infantry all 
the field officers except the colonels, and in the 
26th Infantry all the field officers, including the 
colonel, were casualties. When withdrawn, the 
26th Infantry is commanded by a captain of less than 
two years' experience. 

Task Accomplished, Division Is Relieved 

With the great task for which it was selected by 
Marshal Foch accomplished, the division is relieved 
during the night of July 22nd, by the 15th Scottish 
Division of the British Army, withdrawing to Dam- 
martin, 20 miles northeast of Paris, to recuperate 
and strengthen its depleted ranks with replacements, 
— to be in readiness to answer the call against the 
enemy on other fields. 

2nd DIVISION 
Division Prepares To Go Forward 

When orders to go forward into battle-front posi- 
tions for its part in the counter -thrust reach it, the 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 85 



2nd Division is m bivouac, hidden from enemy 
observation, on the western edges of the FORET 
de VILLERS-COTTERETS. Some of its units have 
scarcely halted in their rush to this woodland battle- 
rendez-vous when preparations to resume the march 
must be made. Munitions and supplies, still coming 
up, must be issued to organizations ; battle instructions 
must be prepared and explained to each unit ; indeed, 
an almost infinite number and variety of details, all 
important and necessary, must be attended to in 
record time, so that the division may be in position to 
plunge into the attack at 4:35 o'clock in the morning. 

Every Moment Precious 

With Zero Hour * less than eighteen hours away, 
every moment is precious, especially as the division, 
after completion of preparations, must still make a 
forced night-march of several miles through the 
forest to the very north-eastern corner in order to 
reach the « Jump off » line between LONGPONT, 
on the Paris-Soissons railway, and VERTE FEUILLE 
FARM, to the south, on the Soissons-Villers- 
Cotterets-Paris Road, to send its attacking battalions 
forward the instant the barrage drops upon the 
enemy lines. 

Darkness, Rain, and Confusion 

I Preparations are rushed through in every unit, but 
before the start can be made, dusk settles down upon 
the forest ; darkness follows soon afterwards ; with 
it, a blinding rainstorm descends. 

When the march is begun, Zero Hour is less than 
twelve hours away. With difficulties confronting the 
division which a battle-unit going into action has 
seldom been called upon to face, the division moves 

* For meaning of « Zero Hour », see foot-note, page 5. 



86 DRAMA OF THE MARNE ___^_ 

forward over a maze of woodland roads and paths 
literally feeling its way. In the intense darkness, 
with a deluge pouring down, it is impossible to see 
more than a few paces ahead. Lights are forbidden 
lest the enemy's suspicions be aroused ; flashes of 
lightning alone give occasional glimpses through the 
forest. 

Military transport, — ammunition trucks, supply 
wagons, ambulances, and artillery caissons, both 
American and French, — unable to mo\e in the 
stormy blackness of night, block and delay the 
advancing troops, crowding them off the roads 
to pick their way forward through a jungle of 
trees and underbrush. 

Units Lose Their Way 

In the downpour and darkness, confusion and 
scattermg of units inevitably results ; companies and 
battalions lose their way and make only uncertain 
progress by compass until, found by frantic stafl 
officers searching for them, they are directed and 
guided toward the front ; but even then, once found, 
proper routes are difficult to follow, over a puzzling 
network of intersecting roads, paths and by-paths, 
through the black storm -tossed forest. 

Battling Against Time 

Midnight has come, — and gone ! In fear lest 
they be too late, the troops, — Doughboys and 
Marines, — struggle on. It is a battle against time, 
the elements, and their own doubts. But whatever! 
the odds, the battle must be won ; and so, fighting 
slorm and darkness, they win their way forward little 
by little, gradually increasing the distance behind 
them and lessening the distance still before 
them. 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 87 



While progress is thus made, it seems, however, 
almost impossible for the assaulting lines to be in 
position in time, but with the prestige gained at 
Bouresches, Vaux and Bois de Belleau to be main- 
tained and spurred on by a desire, nay, a grim deter- 
mination, to gain still greater laurels for the division, 
the Infantry and Marine battalions struggle breath- 
lessly on, overcoming all obstacles. 

Zero Hour Fast Approaching 

Meanwhile, Zero Hour is fast approaching, with 
Gome distance still to be covered. Groping their way 
forward, holding hands lest direction at the last 
moment be lost, and finally, running, stumbling and 
staggering on, the leading battalions, covering the 
last few hundred yards in double time, gain their 
positions just as the first streaks of dawn strike the 
eastern fringes of the forest behind them and as the 
artillery barrage comes down with a crash upon the 
enemy's lines in front of them. 

**Over the Top" 

With the front line battalions of the 23rd Infantry 
on the right, the 9th Infantry in the center, and the 
5th Marines on the left, the assaulting waves go 
« Over the top )^ behind the barrage and, though 
somewhat breathless and spent, charge across^ the 
intervening space of « No Man's Land », and hurl 
themselves upon the first Germans whom they 
encounter, shooting and bayoneting those who resist 
and taking prisoners those who, dazed and bewildered 
by an attack coming so suddenly upon them out of 
the dawn, surrender without a struggle. 

Sector and Objectives of Division 

From CHAVIGN Y FARM, on the right, to VERTE 
FEUILLE FARM, on the left, the sector of the 



88 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



division, varying from one to Iwo miles in width, 
runs northeast for approximately three miles on 
both sides of the PARIS-SOISSONS RAILWAY. 

and thence, swinging due east from the railway for 
another three miles, strikes the SOISSONS-CHA- 
TEAU THIERRY HIGHWAY, which is the 
main objective of the division in carrying out its 
part in the counter -thrust. In the path of 
advance over an open rolling country lie 
various intermediate objectives, — BEIAUREPAIRE 
FARM and VAUXCASTILLE on the north; 
VIERZY, at the eastern exit of the longest 
tunnel on the railroad ; TIGNY, TAUX and 
HARTENNES, to the southeast, on the SOIS- 

SONS-fHATEAU THIERRY HIGHWAY. 

Attacking Troops Make Rapid Progress 

In spite of their trying night march through the 
forest, the attacking battalions make rapid progress, 
carried forward by an irresistible spirit, and though 
the infantry lacks machine guns and grenades, left 
behind in their rush to the front, and must depend 
upon rifles and bayonets to conquer the enemy, they 
assail each objective in turn with dauntless courage. 

Within hfteen minutes an aviation hangar is 
captured, several batteries of enemy field guns are 
overrun, and BEAUREPAIRE FARM is carried by the 
leading (2nd) battalion of the 23rd Infantry on the 
left, while the first line battalions of the 9th Infantry i 
in the center and the 5th Marines on the right, take j 
their objectives at the same time. 

Mopping-up Detachments Kept Busy 

With prisoners streaming to the rear in hundreds 
behind them as they advance, the attacking troops 
continue their rapid forward movement, and, with 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 89 

the left of the battlehne pivoting on the hill just west 
of VAUXCASTILLE, launch an attack upon that 
village, which is captured at 6:45 a. m., by the 
leading battalion of the 23rd Infantry. In sweeping 
through and beyond VAUXCASTILLE the advancing 
troops leave behind in the adjacent deep-cut ravines 
many hidden rhachine gun nests and dugouts 
whose defenders resist stubbornly until overcome, 
after a struggle, by the mopping-up detachments 
following in rear of the attacking lines. 

Temporarily Checked 

Pressing on, the advance makes swift progress 
through the woods and across the marshland beyond 
VAUXCASTILLE, but, reaching the embankment 
of the PARIS-SOISSONS RAILWAY, meets resist- 
ance from German machine gunners and infantry. 
It is the first real check, « a forerunner, possibly, 
of more determined resistance to come, but the 
enemy here is soon subdued in a brief though 
terrific struggle, and the assaulting battalions pass on 
towards VIERZY, gaining the plateau commanding 
that town, a veritable stronghold, at 9:30 a. m. 

In the meantime, the 1st Moroccans, on the left, 
having crossed the SOISSONS-VILLERS-COT- 
TERETS-PARIS ROAD, are heading for LE- 
CHELLE, north of Vierzy, while, on the right, the 
38th French Division, literally carried forward by the 
swiftness of the counter-thrust, has reached MON- 
TREMBCEUF FARM to the south. 

Enemy Makes Stubborn Resistance 

In the attack immediately launched upon VIERZY, 
the western extremity of the town is quickly taken, 
with a large number of prisoners, but it is at once 
apparent that the enemy does not intend to give up 



90 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

the stronghold guarding the eastern portals of the 
railroad tunnel without a valiant defense. While 
soon surrounded on the north, east, and, in part, on 
the south, the enemy holds out heroically elsewhere 
in the town, under the protection of German batteries, 
just eastward of VIERZY, which throw down a terrific 
deluge of shells at short range upon the attacking 
forces, mflicting heavy casualties. In order to fight 
the devil with his own weapons, the 2nd Battalion of 
the 15th U. S. Field Artillery is rushed forward and 
soon the American batteries go into close action against 
the enemy, giving blow for blow. In the midst of 
the ensuing artillery duel, the battle for VIERZY 
continues, with much bitter and sanguinary fighting 
and many individual contests, in which men, singly 
or in groups, charge and capture rnachme guns and 
dugouts and perform other heroic deeds against the 
enemy. 

Our Lines Reinfoirced 
While severe in the advance, casualties have now 
become quite heavy and reinforcements are therefore 
brought up from the supports and reserves and 
gradually fed into the attacking infantry lines. The 
6th Marines, delayed on the march through the forest 
and hence held in reserve in the advance, comes 
forward and joins the Marine Brigade in the afternoon. 

' Further Progress Made 

With darkness soon coming on, further progress 
must be made, and it is therefore decided, resorting 
to a sound tactical principle, to isolate or « pinch out » 
VIERZY by a movement first around and then 
beyond the town, leaving it behind, and so, though the 
attacking troops have been without food and practically 
without water all day, the advance is resumed at 6:30 
o'clock in the evening. Meanwhile, a group of fifteen 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 91 

French battle tanks has come up to participate in the 
advance, while a battalion of Moroccans, from the 
left, has joined the 23rd Infantry in support. 

Immediate gains are made and VIERZY, succumb- 
ing to the « pinching out » process, is captured and held. 

Battle Closes for Day 

In the face of determined opposition, with an intense 
fire of artillery and machine guns against them, the 
reinforced attacking lines forge gradually ahead until 
darkness, bringing the advance to a halt and the 
battle to a close at 8 o'clock in the evening, finds 
the 9th Infantry, on the left, in possession of the 
plateau south of CHARWTIGNY,and the 23rd In- 
fantry, on the right, in position midway between 
VIERZY and TIGNY. 

Division "Digs In'* 

With its battlefront upon a line thrusting a sharp 
and threatening salient into the enemy's territory, 
the division « Digs in » for the night to rest, — and to 
gather up the wounded strewn in the path of its 
precipitous and forceful advance. 

Advance Resumed 

In the morning (July 19) the Marine Brigade and 
the 2nd Engineers, advancing through the infantry, 
resume the attack at 7 o'clock with a smashing drive 
forward on a quarter-mile front to TIGNY and 
the edges of the BOIS d'HARTENNES, where 
the division halts and again « Digs in » to hold its 
hard^won gains,— with the SOISSONS-CHATEAU 
THIERRY HIGHWAY, its main objective, under 
the menace of its front lines. 

After Fine Achievements Division Is Relieved 

Within twenty-seven hours the 2nd Division has 
conquered the enemy's territory to a depth of five 



92 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

miles, thus carrying out its part in the counter- 
thrust ; but, plunging into battle again so soon after 
its desperate fighting near Chateau Thierry, and 
weakened now by heavy losses, with some of its units 
reduced to half their original strength, its driving 
power is spent, and the division is therefore relieved 
by the 58th French Division," during the night 
(July 1 9th~20th), marching to ST. ETIENNE for a 
preliminary rest for a day before proceeding farther 
to the rear to recuperate and prepare for another 
call to battle. 

In its brief part in the counter-offensive the division 
has met and driven back elements of no less than 
eleven different German regiments, representing five 
distinct enemy divisions, taking 3,000 prisoners and 
capturing over 100 machine guns, 15,000 rounds of 
artillery ammunition, and 8 batteries of heavy and 
light field artillery, totaling about 75 guns. 

Our Losses 

Losses in officers and men aggregate a total of 
approximately 4,000 in the division, with the heaviest 
casualties in the infantry brigade, especially in the 
23rd Infantry which, going into battle with a strength 
of 99 officers and 3,400 men, has suffered a loss of 
62 officers and 1 ,922 men killed and wounded. 

1st AMERICAN CORPS 

26th Division 

When the counter -thrust is launched, the 1st Ameri- 
can Corps (167th French Division and 26th American 
Division, Major General Hunter Liggett, Regular 
Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding), ready to play 
the important role of right flank pivot for the whole 
forward movement of the counter-offensive, is in 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 93 

position just northwest of Chateau Thierry, with its 
battlefront held, on the left, by the 167th French 
Division, and, on the right, by the 26th American 
(« Yankee ») Division. (National Guard of Connec- 
ticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island, and Vermont. Major General Clarence R. 
Edwards, Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding. See 
page 579, for regiments and other units composing 
the division.) 

Subjected to Constant and Harassing Fire 

For ten days, since taking over the sector made 
famous by the 2nd Division, the New England troops 
have been compelled to withstand a constant and 
harassing fire of rifles and machine guns from enemy 
positions in the ruined villages of Belleau and Torcy 
and a continuous rain of shells from German batteries 
beyond while awaiting the hour for the beginning 
of their own part in the counter -oflFensive. 

Position Held When Battle Orders Are Received 

When battle orders are finally received the division, 
its two infantry brigades in line side by side, is holding 
a front of between four and five miles, with the 
101st Infantry (Massachusetts troops) on the extreme 
right at Vaux, facing north; the 102nd Infantry 
(Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont troops) 
extending the line westward to Bouresches, facing 
east ; the 1 04th Infantry (Massachusetts troops) in the 
Bois de Belleau, facing east and northeast, and, finally, 
the 103rd Infantry (Maine and New Hampshire 
troops) on the extreme left, facing Belleau and Givry. 

Difficult Tactical Maneuver 

In order to carry out the difficult tactical maneuver 
of pivoting the forward movement of the general 
counter-offensive, it is necessary for the left (52nd) 



94 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Brigade of the division (103rd and 104th Infantry) 
to attack, first northward, thence north-eastward, 
guiding on the 167th French Division on its left, 
whiletheright(51st)Brigade(101stand 102nd Infantry) 
attacks, first eastward and northward, thence in a 
general north-easterly direction, in liaison with the 
39th French Division on its right. 

"Over the Top" 

In a heavy mist, without previous artillery prepara- 
tion, but covered by the barrage suddenly laid down 
by the divisional artillery upon the enemy's lines, the 
front line battalions spring « Over the top » at 4:35 
o'clock in the morning (July 18th), charging forward 
for the capture of the railroad and the villages of 
TORCY, GIVRY and BELLEAU in their immediate 
front. 

Enemy Surprised and Startled 

Here, as elsewhere along the whole front of the 
counter-offensive, the enemy is surprised and startled 
by the suddenness of the attack, and within one hour 
TORCY, on the left, is taken and soon afterwards the 
railroad grade and the creek bank beyond are in 
American hands. Meanwhile, BELLEAU, on the right, 
is soon captured and the attacking troops sweep 
forward toward Givry. 

Sharp Resistance and Bayonet Conflict 

In the defence of GIVRY, however, the enemy, now 
recovering from surprise, offers sharp resistance, 
resulting in a conflict with bayonets in which the 
Germans are, after a prolonged and savage struggle, 
finally routed. 

Attacking Lines Press Onward 

With Givry (^lear of the enemy at 8:30 o'clock, the 
attacking lines press onward toward Hill 193, lying 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 95 

between Givry and Monthiers. While this hill, 
strongly defended by German machine guns in posi- 
tion on its crest, is within the sector of thel 67th French 
Division operating on the left, the American troops 
sweep halfway up its slopes before being checked by 
a storm of machine gun bullets poured down upon 
them from above. 

Americans Are Stopped 

Without support from the French troops, who have 
not yet reached the Hill on the left, it is impossible 
for the American troops to carry the strongly defended 
hill-crest, and, being suddenly stopped in their rushing, 
precipitous attack, they are compelled to withdraw 
for the time to the railroad grade behind, to which 
they tenaciously cling with the greatest difficulty 
under a heavy concentration of enemy fire. With the 
hill-crest in their possession, the Germans are able 
to sweep the whole field of battle, right and left, with 
a terrific enfilade fire upon the flanks of the attacking 
battalions. 

While the railroad station of BOURESCHES is, in 
the meantime, captured and the villages of Torcy, 
Belleau and Givry resolutely held, progress over the 
fire-swept ground to the north and east is impossible 
until the flanking French division on the left can gain 
a position from which to attack and carry the summit 
of Hill 193 from the west. 

For the remainder of the day, throughout the night 
and into the next day (July 19th), the division is 
compelled, with grim determination, to hold on to its 
gains, m the face of a constant and harassing fire from 
the enemy. 

Attack Resumed 

Meanwhile, the French Division on the left, against 
great opposition, has reached positions ntar Licy- 



96 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Clignon, at the base of the western slopes of Hill 193. 
In the belief that their French comrades may now 
successfully carry this objective, the New England 
troops resume the attack at 3 o'clock in the after- 
noon, charging northeast and east, leaving the railroad 
behind, capturing in quick succession BOIS DE 

BOURESCHES on the right, LES BRUSSES 
FARM on the left, and, finally. HILL 190 in the 
center. 

We Halt and Hold Positions Gained 

While the flanking French Division moves forward 
to the attack simultaneously, two gallant assaults, 
successively launched, fail to dislodge the Germans 
from Hill 193, and with the strongly fortified hill-crest 
still in the enemy's possession, rendering progress on 
the left difficult, if not impossible, and lest touch 
with the French troops be lost if a further advance 
be made, the division halts, and, strengthening the 
positions it has gained, holds them under a galling 
fire from the enemy through the night (July 20th). 

Enemy Begins to Retire from Salient 

With the break of dawn, it is discovered that the 
intense fusillade throughout the night has been main- 
tained by delaying detachments of enemy machine 
guns holding the German front lines and that the 
enemy's main combat forces, retiring during the night, 
are in full retreat to the north, lest they be trapped at 
the apex of the Marne Salient as a result of a sudden i 
advance of French and American forces (3rd Division) 
on the Eastern Face following the repulses inflicted 
upon the legions of the Crown Prince on the 60-mile 
front from Chateau Thierry eastward to the Cham- 
pagne front. 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 97 

Our Troops in Pursuit 

In immediate pursuit, the 26th Division sweeps 
forward and, with its battalions in columns headed by 
advance guards, makes rapid progress north and 
north-eastward, covering a distance of over 5 miles 
beyond the Soissons-Chateau Thierry road before 
gaining touch, toward evening, with the Germans, 
in position on a broad shallow creek between the 
villages of TRUGNY and EPIEDS, and, stubbornly 
resisting, under the protection of a strongly-held line 
of machine guns on the edges of BOIS de TRUGNY, 
four or five hundred yards beyond. 

It is the first stand made by the enemy in his 
flight, and it is evident that the strong opposition so 
suddenly offered is part of a fairly well organized 
plan to check the pursuit of the Allied troops while 
the bulk of the German forces retire out of the Marne 
Salient. 

We Assault, but Are Compelled to Retire 

In the morning (July 22nd), just after dawn, the 
front line battalions launch an assault upon TRUGNY 
and EPIEDS, but, in uncertainty as to the exact location 
of the attacking lines, the divisional artillery, two and 
a half miles to the rear, is unable to deliver an effective 
artillery barrage, while the enemy's artillery, accurately 
directed by aeroplanes overhead, pours a barrage of 
gas and high explosive shells upon the attackind 
forces. While positions in front of both villages ang 
upon the edges of BOIS de TRUGNY are gained in 
the first forward rush, the attacking forces are compelled 
to retire by virtue of the concentrated fire of artillery 
and machine guns upon them, and, though the 
attack is renewed in the afternoon, the enemy succeeds 
in holding his positions. 



98 DRAMA OF THE M ARNE 

Our Progress Checked Again 

When, after a destructive artillery preparation, an 
effort is made to dislodge the enemy the following 
morning (July 23rd), some progress is made, but 
at noon the attacking forces are assailed in front and 
on both flanks by heavy and almost annihilating 
machine gun fire from positions, numerous and 
skillfully concealed, especially in ths BOIS DE 
TRUGNY. Progress is once more checked and having 
suffered heavy losses in killed and wounded, the 
attacking battalions are forced to cease their efforts 
or the day. 

Enemy Withdraws Again ; Americans Pursue 

Maintaining a constant and harassing fire as a 
subterfuge, the enemy repeats his trick of withdrawal 
during the night. Daylight (July 24th) thus finds 
the Germans once more in retreat northward, with 
the 26th Division, in its sector, led by its motorized 
machine gun battalion, in pursuit toward the Jaul- 
gonne — Fere-en -Tardenois highway. 

Enemy Checks Our Pursuit 

With its columns advancing through the central 
part of the FORET de FERE, the division once more 
strikes the enemy holding a well prepared position 
in the massively constructed buildings of La CROIX 
ROUGE FARM, on the road at the eastern edge of 
the forest. With heavy machine guns mounted in it, 
this position, part of an organized line of defense, 
sweeps up and down the highway, combing the edges 
of the forest with its fire, rendering further progress 
impossible. Meanwhile, flanking divisions have 
been checked by heavy resistance along the same 
line. 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT 99 

26th Division Is Relieved 

With their front line battaHons holding the gains 
made, the New England troops bivouac in the forest 
for the night, being relieved the following day 
(July 25th) by the 42nd American (« Rainbow ») 
Division, which has been brought forward by motor 
trucks. Leaving its artillery brigade and engineer 
regiment to accompany the new division in the 
advance, the 26th Division is marched to the region of 
Etrepilly for a period of rest and recuperation. 

Division's Achievements 

In eight days of rapid advance and constant desper- 
ate fighting, the division has covered a distance of 
approximately 12 miles, capturing 250 prisoners, 
4 pieces of artillery, numerous machine guns, 
1 pontoon train and quantities of ammunition ; with 
losses of 5,000 officers and men, including 600 killed.' 

4th American Division 

Midway between the 20th French Corps and the 
1st American Corps, its infantry regiments brigaded 
with French troops, the 4th Division is one of the 
four American battle units facing the enemy on the 
Western Face of the Marne Salient when the counter- 
thrust is launched at 4:35 a. m., (July 18th). 

In position with the 33rd French Division, the 
7th Infantry brigade, with one of its regiments, the 
39th Infantry, is holding a sector in the center of the 
divisional battleline, just northwest of the village of 
Troesnes, on the Ourcq, with the valley of the Saviere 
River directly in front of it, and beyond that, the steep 
hill crowned by the woods of Buisson-de-Cresnes. 

39th Infantry *'Jumps off" 

Promptly on the stroke of Zero Hour, the 39th Infant- 
ry, with two of its battalions and two companies of 



too DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

the 1 1 th Machine Gun Battalion in line, « Jumps 
off », charging forward for the capture of the wooded 
hill of BUISSON-de-CRESNES. With its right flank 
sweeping along the north bank of the Ourcq, the 
attacking line quickly crosses the Saviere River, and 
scaling the hill, plunges into the woods, driving the 
surprised enemy before it. 

In an almost breathless advance of a mile and a half, 
the eastern edge of the woods is gained, with the front 
line battalions facing eastward toward NOROX-sur- 
OURCQ, a village in the enemy's hands on a hill-top 
a quarter of a mile away. While this village lies 
within the sector of a neighboring French regiment, 
the 39th Infantry, ordered to capture it, moves forward 
to the attack in the afternoon, and, sweeping through 
the village, seizes the commandmg hill-top to the 
northeast. With the battlefront brought forward to 
the same line by the French, on the right and left, 
the American troops, holding their gains, rest for 
the night. 

Advance Resumed 

Resuming the advance at 4 o'clock in the morning 
(July 19th), the 39th Infantry, with its right flank 
still clinging to the banks of the Ourcq, sweeps 
eastwa-rd over the hills, capturing LA GRANDE 
FARM and the village of CHOUY, and then, press- 
ing swiftly on, gains and wrests from the enemy 
before nightfall its third and last objective, a ridge half 
a mile southeast of CHOUY. 

Task Accomplished, Regiment Is Relieved 

With the task assigned to it thus finished, the 
39th Infantry, having accomplished an advance of 
5 miles, is relieved by French troops on the morning 
of July 20th, and withdrawn to TROESNES, 



CAVING IN WESTERN FACE OF SALIENT iOJ 

bringing to a close the first battle experience of the 
7th Infantry Brigade. 

Other Brigade of Division 

Meanwhile, the other (8th) Infantry Brigade of the 
4th Division is undergoing its battle apprenticeship 
in operations with the 164th French Division a few 
miles northwest of the battlelines of the 1 st American 
Corps. 

Plunging into the Attack 

When the « Poilus », behmd a concealed smoke- 
screen, plunge into the attack at 4:35 in the morning 
(July 1 8th), one regiment of the 8th Infantry Brigade, 
the 58th Infantry, goes forward with them, while the 
other regiment, the 59th Infantry, left behind in 
support positions to hold the Ime of resistance, joins 
in the advance the following day. 

Charging due eastward across the hills and ravines 
the French and American troops capture HAUTE- 
VESNES on the right, and CHEVILLON on the 
left withm half an hour, and, contmumg their 
swift advance, take the village of COURCHAMPS. 
penetrating into the enemy's territory on a 2-mile 
front to a depth of 3 miles before noon. 

Determined Enemy Resistance Encountered 

From the wooded heights on the left, and the upland 
farms of LA GRENOUILLERS and LA REMISE on 
the right, the first determined enemy resistance is 
encountered. With machine guns and artillery, the 
enemy pours a destructive fire upon the attacking lines, 
resulting in a conflict which continues for the remain- 
der of the day and throughout the night. In the 
morning, the attack is resumed, and the French and 
American troops quickly capture both LA GRE- 
NOUILLERS and LA REMISE FARMS. 



102 ^DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Enemy Counter- Attacks 

Immediately thereafter, however, the enemy launch- 
es a counter-attack which soon develops into a de- 
termined onslaught upon the whole French-Ameri- 
can line, but in every effort to drive the French and 
American troops back the Germans are repulsed and 
the counter-attack is eventually broken up with the 
aid of Allied artillery. Darkness finds the French 
and American troops holding their positions every- 
where upon their front, with the enemy retiring to a 
line of resistance farther to the east. 

Our Advance Again Checked 

In an advance of several miles, the foUowmg day 
(July 20th), SOMMELANS is quickly and easily 
captured but lipon reaching the BOIS-de-BONNES, 
the French and American troops come upon the 
Germans holding strong positions in defense of the 
Soissons — Chateau Thierry highway. In spite of the 
fact that this important line of communication has 
already been cut by the 1 st American Division south 
of Soissons, the enemy makes a determined stand 
to hold the highway at this point, evidently to cover 
and facilitate the retreat of his forces now being 
hurled back from the line of the Marne. 

After Stubborn Fighting, We Advance 

With desperate resistance on the part of the enemy, 
the conflict soon develops into a stubborn battle 
which continues without cessation for several days, 
but the BOIS-de-BONNES is finally captured on 
July 22nd, the highway is crossed, and by nightfall 
1 he French and American troops have penetrated the 
BOIS-de-CHATELET beyond, with the front line 
battalions in positions, in line with the battlefront of the 



CRUSHING IN EAiiTERN FACE OF SALIENT 103 



26th Division, which has alreadj reached Epleds and 
Trugny on the south. 

Brigade Is Relieved 

With its first combat experience thus brought to 
a close, the 8th Infantry Brigade, after having pene- 
trated the enenriy's territory to a depth of 10 miles 
in 5 days, is relieved from duty with the French and 
withdrawn to reserve positions at the rear, to await 
the return to battle of the 4th American Division as 
a whole and reunited fighting unit. 

Scene I Ends 

With the Western Face of the Marne Salient caved 
in upon the enemy through operations in which 
American troops have so valiantly participated, 
fighting shoulder to shoulder with their French 
comrades. Scene I of the Fourth Act of the Drama 
of the Marne comes to an end. 

SCENE II 

Taking Advantage of Crovjn Prince s Predicament, 

Foch Crushes in Eastern Face of Salient 

Reviewing Foch's Plan 

With the great counter-offensive now in full swing, 
driving the enemy in retreat, first to the Ourcq and 
then to the Vesle, let us, before raising the curtain 
on Scene II, pause to review for a moment, the 
brilliant plan which has resulted in the wonderful 
achievements we have just witnessed. 

As we have seen, it was Marshal Foch's intention, 
seizing the p.sychological moment, to snatch the 
mitiative from the enemy, deliver a lightning-like 
thrust, and, simultaneously with it, or following 
immediately upon its heels, if successful, to cave in 



104 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



the Western Face of the Marne SaHent while the 
legions of the Crown Prince were still engaged in a 
futile effort to drive the Fifth German Offensive 
through the Eastern Face of the Salient. We have 
witnessed the brilliant success of the counter -thrust 
immediately southwest of Soissons. We have observ- 
ed the sudden and coincident attack upon the 
30-mile front from Chateau Thierry to Soissons. We 
have seen the whole Western Fa ce of the Salient 
being caved in upon the enemy. 

And now, as the Crown Prince breaks off battle 
suddenly on the line of the Marne from Chateau 
Thierry to Reims to rush reinforcements across the 
Salient to the rescue of his broken right wing, we 
shall see Marshal Foch, seizing another psychological 
moment, striking at his left wing to crush in the 
Eastern Face upon the enemy. 

Curtain Rises 

Less than forty-eight hours after the counter- 
thrust is launched, the Allied Commander-in-Chief 
orders a change from the defensive to the offensive 
upon the far-flung battlefront from Chateau Thierry 
to the Champagne and immediately the Allied forces 
start northward in pursuit of an enemy whose sudden 
withdrawal, in the midst of battle, they have scarcely 
been aware of. It is another surprise for the enemy 
who did not believe in the existence of Allied reserves, 
the American counter- weights. 

3rd American Division Joins in Pursuit 

In the general advance by which the Eastern Face 
of the Marne Salient is carried forward in pursuit, 
the 3rd Division, leaving the positions east of Chateau 
Thierry on the south bank of the river so heroically 
won and^ valiantly held from the enemy, begins 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 105 

crossing the Marne on July 21st, — the 4th U. S. 
Infantry at CHIERRY in the early morning and the 
7th U.S. Infantry at FOSSOY and MfiZY in the 
afternoon, — and, driving off scattered detachments of 
machine gunners and infantry, establishes its front on 
the north bank of the river by midnight, with a line 
from MONT^St-PEREinto the BOIS de BARBILLON. 
Enemy's Retreat Well Organized 

Precipitous though the flight of the German forces 
to the north seems to be, the retreat is nevertheless 
apparently well organized. With a perfect knowledge 
of the defensive and offensive characteristics of the 
country, the enemy has converted points of natural 
tactical value, — towns, villages, upland farms, 
roads, rivers, ravines, woods and hills, — into tempo- 
rary strongholds and defensive positions, susceptible 
of stubborn resistance by strong delaymg detachments 
armed with rifles, machine guns and trench mortars, 
aided by artillery and aircraft. 

Our Troops Encounter Heavy Opposition 

When the advance northeastward is resumed by 
the 4th and 7th Infantry the next day, the first heavy 
opposition, from machme gun detachments covering 
the retreat, is encountered among the wooded hill 
slopes, narrow ravines, and dense tracts of timber in 
the broken country running back from the Marne 
toward the Ourcq. It is difficult for the front line 
battalions to keep in touch with one another or with 
the French troops advancing on the right and left, 
or to maintain a regular line ; their flanks are frequently 
exposed to isolated machine-gun fire, and they there- 
fore advance more or less independently, fighting 
their way, connecting up their individual gains at 
night upon a solid divisional front running from the 
Marne northward. 



106 DRAMA OF THE MARNE __„_ 

Right Flank of Division Sweeps Forward 

Meanwhile, the 38th and 30th U. S. Infantry, 
crossing the Marne at MEZY, the former on July 22n(l 
and the latter on July 23rd, join the division, and, 
forming its right flank, sweep swiftly eastward along 
the river, capturing JAULGONNE and BARZY-sur- 
MARNE, thence northward over the wooded slopes 
of Hill 210 through the FORET de JAULGONNE 

into the FORET de FERE on the left and the 
FORET de RIS on the right. 

Enemy's Tactics 

Following the tactics imposed upon them by the 
character of their retreat, the Germans make only 
occasional stands at first, but such spasmodic resistance 
is easily swept aside, and the pursuing forces make 
steady progress until, when too hard pressed, the 
enemy is compelled to make more resolute efforts to 
check the advance lest his forces be driven back in 
utter rout and disorder. 

Americans Continue to Win Their Way Forward 

While the artillery on both sides exchange complin 
ments, deluging the support lines and rear areas with 
gas and high explosives, our front line battalions and 
the enemy's rearguards engage in desperate fighting 
and constant counter "maneuvering, but, despite stiif 
opposition, our troops win their way northeastward, 
capturing the fortified farms of LA THEODERIE, 
LA TIEULERIE and LES FRANQUETS, each in 
turn, so that by the evening of July 24th the front 
lines of the division lie within striking distance of 
LE CHARMEL, on the Fere-en-Tardenois Road. 
In the face of fierce machine gun resistance and 
under intense shell fire from German batteries north 



CRtrgHlNG IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 

of the town, LE CHARMEL is captured by the 
4th Infantry in the afternoon of the following day. 

Enemy Makes Futile Efforts to Dislodge Victors 

While assailed on three sides as a result of the 
inability of flanking units to bring their lines forward 
on the riglit and left, and though subjected to a 
severe bombardment of gas and high explosives 
throughout the night, the occupying forces hold out 
against all etforts of the enemy to dislodge them. 

Our Line Now Forms Dangerous Salient _^ 

For the time being the front line of the division 
forms a sharp salient towards the enemy. LE CHAR- 
MEL lies at the apex point of this salient, which is 
exposed to the enemy on both flanks ; on the left, 
from a strong position on the southern edges of the 
VENTE JEAN GUILLAUME, a heavily wooded 
spur of the Foret de Fere, less than a mile to the 
northwest, and on the right, from the strongly defended 
LE CHARMEL CHATEAU overlooking the town 
from a hill a mile to the southeast. With machine 
gun and rifle fire from the chateau and artillery, 
trench-mortar, machine-gun and rifle fire from the 
wooded spur, the enemy is prepared to offer formid- 
able resistance. In fact, this seems to be the line 
prepared by the enemy for his last determined stand, 
in the path of the division, north of the Ourcq. 

We Attack 

Meanwhile, the 30th and 38th Infantry having been 
relieved and withdrawn to the rear for a period of 
rest, the front line battalions of the 4th and 7th Infan- 
try are ordered to make the attack, in cooperation 
with French troops on both the right and left. 
Following a bombardment of gas and high explosive 
shells thrown down upon the enemy's positions for 



108 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



an hour by the divisional artillery, the attacking lines 
start forward at 4:50 o'clock in the afternoon of 
July 26th, with the 4th Infantry advancing through 
LE CHARMEL and attacking in the direction of LA 
FOSSE FARM, and the 7th Infantry, forming on the 
northern edges of FORET de RIS, attacking towards 
LE CHARMEL CHATEAU. 

Deadly Opposition Encountered 

However, no sooner is the assault launched than 
the enemy concentrates a heavy counter -barrage of 
gas and high explosives upon the attacking forces, 
inflicting heavy losses, especially upon the 7th Infantry 
on the right, but notwithstanding the formidable 
and deadly opposition encountered, our troops press 
on, gradually gaining ground, until far into the night 
when progress is checked by a terrific concentration 
of enfUade machine gun fire upon the left flank of 
the 4th Infantry, which finds itself suddenly « in the 
air » and dangerously- exposed by the inability of 
the flanking French troops to advance in unison 
with it. 

His Flank Turned, Enemy Withdraws 

With the enemy still holding the wooded heights to 
the northwest, it is determined to turn his flank on 
the east to carry forward the advance the following 
day (July 27th). LE CHARMEL CHATEAU is quickly 
captured, and, as the enemy's own flank is exposed 
thereby, his forces withdraw under the cover of 
delaying detachments of machine gunners and infantry, 
retiring to the northeast to make their next stand on 
the wooded heights surrounding RONCHERES. 

We Follow Upon Heels of Retiring Germans 

Swift progress is made by the flanking movement, 
and the front line battalions, following upon the heels 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 109 

of the retiring Germans, sweep over LA FOSSE 
and VILLARDELLE FARMS, seizing in their 
advance the crest of HILL 190, southeast of Cour- 
mont, establishing the forward lines of the 
division overlooking the valley of the Ourcq by 
nightfall. 

Farther West Enemy Struggles to Hold On 

Meanwhile, farther to the west, the enemy is 
making desperate efforts to hold the Ime of the Ourcq, 
at Sergy, Fere-en-Tardenois and other points, against 
the simultaneous advance of other American and 
French divisions. 

We Capture Another Town 

While the 7th Infantry remains in position on the 
heights west of the Ourcq the following day (July 28th) 
the 4th Infantry, crossing the river in the morning, 
launches an attack upon RONCHERES, and, though 
opposed by heavy trench-mortar and machine-gun 
fire, captures and occupies the town by noon. 
Our Troops Checked 

In the afternoon, an effort is made to carry the 
heights north and northeast of RONCHERES, and 
while, in spite of intense machine-gun fire and a heavy 
enemy barrage, it succeeds in pushing the lines a 
quarter of a mile beyond the town, progress is 
checked when, once more, flanking units are unable 
to advance on the right and left. 

Advance Resumed ; Bitter Conflict Follows 

When the advance toward CIERGES is resumed 
early the next morning (July 29th), heavy machine gun 
resistance is encountered from the southern and 
western edges of the BO IS MEUNIERE, lying east 
of the Roncheres-Cierges road, resulting in hard and 
desperate fighting which soon develops into a bitter 



10 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



conflict involving not only the 3rc[ Division but 
flanking forces as well, — the 4th French Division on 
the right and the 42nd (**Rainbow**) Division^ and 
the 55th Brigade of the 28th (** Keystone ") Divi- 
sion on the left. It continues without cessation 
throughout the day and, though holding their 
ground, little forward progress is made before 
evening by the Allied lines. 

Exit 3rd Division ; Enter 32nd Division 

Weakened by heavy losses, and with its infantry 
especially exhausted by two weeks of defensive and 
offensive fighting, the 3rd Division is relieved during 
the night of July 29th by the 64th Brigade of the 
32nd American Division. (Michigan and Wisconsin 
troops. Major-General Wm. G. Haan, Regular 
Army, of Indiana, commanding. For units composing 
division, see page 579.) Leaving its artillery brigade 
behind to aid other American forces in the forward 
movement, the division retires from the battlefield 
the following day, and, finally crossing the Marne 
in high spirits, with bands playing, moves into its 
old area, east of Chateau Thierry, for a period of rest 
and recuperation. 

Achievements of 3rd Division 

In two weeks of constant battle, the 3rd Division 
has contributed decisively to the defeat of a great 
enemy offensive, advanced ten miles over difficult 
country, fighting every foot of the way, capturing about 
700 prisoners, great numbers of machine guns and 
four pieces of artillery, suffering casualties of 
7,500 men and 205 officers killed, wounded and gassed. 

6th Brigade of 3rd Division Reenters Battle 

Having been relieved and withdrawn from the 
attack for a period of rest at the rear several days 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 111 

before the advance of the Srd Division came to an 
end, the 6th Brigade (30th and 38th U. S. Infantry), 
is soon called to battle again. Within one week 
after its relief the brigade finds itself on the way to 
the front once more for a period of five days* service 
with the 3rd French Corps which has pursued the 
enemy to the river VEISLE and by August 6th moves 
into positions, temporarily relieving French unitss 
south of the river near St. GILLES, FISMES an, 
VILLETTE, with orders to hold the river crossingd 
from the enemy at all costs and, if resistance bs 
not too great, to establish bridgeheads (i. e., zonee 
of defense) north of the river at these points. 

Brigade Gets into Veritable Battle-Inferno 

It is no easy task, however, to do either ; for, here 
on the VESLE, the enemy is in strong force, deter- 
mined to hold the pursuing Allies in check. Indeed, the 
6th Brigade finds itself suddenly thrust into a veritable 
battle-inferno, with its battalions assailed in the front 
lines by machine-gun, trench-mortar and infantry 
fire, and in the support and rear lines, deluged by 
artillery and swooped down upon by aeroplanes 
spraymg bullets upon them. 

Defying Formidable Opposition 

In spite of such formidable opposition, however 
an attempt, first, to cross the VESLE and, second, to 
establish a bridgehead a mile or more beyond, is 
made at 3:30 p. m., August 7th, when the 38th Infan- 
try, supported by the 30th Infantry, moves against 
the pontoons and bridges between FISMES and 
VILLETTE, under the cover of a creeping barrage 
combing the northern banks of the river. Immediately 
the enemy responds with a terrific counter-barrage 
which is thrown across the approaches to the river 



1 1 2 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

crossings and concentrated upon roads and uponi 
support and reserve positions behind the lines. 

Midst Bursting Shells Supports Go Forward 

Support troops are caught in this barrage, but, ini 
the midst of bursting shells of poisonous gas and highi 
explosives, plough their way forward nevertheless,, 
toward the river to aid the leading units in their r 
efforts to seize pontoons and bridges being swept] 
by a withering fire of machine guns from concealed 
and protected positions across the river. 

Troops Crossing River, Are Forced Back 

In the face of this fire, deadly though it be, some; 
of the units of the 38th Infantry, platoons and squads,, 
gain the northern bank, but, without support on the: 
right and left where crossings have failed, they are: 
assailed on both flanks and from the rear in attempting ; 
to go forward, and, lest they be surrounded or cut 
off and captured, they are compelled to retire to the 
river bank to cling to it desperately until, under the: 
cover of darkness, it is possible to withdraw to the: 
southern side. 

Impossible to Establish Bridgehead 

In view of the fact that the enemy, in great force, 
is in possession of strong positions on the northern 
bank, commanding not only all the crossings but the 
approaches to them as well, and with only small 
bridges and pontoons spanning the stream, over which 
only small columns, some of them in single file, can 
cross, it is obvious that, against formidable resistance, 
a bridgehead cannot be established beyond the Vesle 
at this point until the Germans, assailed upon both 
flanks, are turned out of their positions by Allied 
divisions attacking on the east and w est. 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 113 



Positions Held Under Strenuous Conditions 

While the VESLE is again crossed by small units of 
the 30th Infantry, no further attempt in force is made, 
and the 6th Brigade settles down to the carrying out 
of its principal mission of protecting the river crossings 
and, though under a constant enemy bombardment, 
harassed by intermittent rifle-sniping and machine- 
gun fire, and attacked now and then by aeroplanes 
swooping down out of the air, it holds its positions 
until, finishing its service with the 3rd French Corps, 
it is relieved on August 10-llth and once more 
withdraws to the rear to resume its interrupted period 
of rest before going into action again with the 3rd 
Division. 

42nd merican Division Returns to Battlefield 

Within a few days after its brilliant participation 
in General Gouraud's « Elastic defense ^> on the 
Champagne Front, orders to return again to the 
battlefield reach the 42nd American (« Rainbow >) 
Division. (National Guard troops of District of 
Columbia and 26 States, — Alabama, California, 
Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, 
Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis- 
souri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North 
Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, 
South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wis- 
consin. Major General Charles T, Menoher, Regular 
Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding.) 

Its period of rest and recuperation thus suddenly 
interrupted, the division proceeds at once by motor 
truck from La Ferte-sous-Jouarre to the Foret de 
Fere, on the Jaulgonne-Fere-en-Tardenois highway, 
to operate under the command of the 1 st American 
Corps. (Major General Hunter Liggett, Regular 
Army, of Pensylvannia, commanding.) 



1 1 4 bR AMA OF THE MARNE 

As Advance Progresses, Front of Corps Contracts 

In its advancenorth-eastward, following thepivoting 
operations on the right flank of the general counter- 
offensive west of Chateau Thierry, the sector of the 
1st Corps, as with the French Corps on the right and 
left, gradually contracts until, as distance is gained 
beyond Epieds and Trugny, its forward battleline has 
so diminished in width that the 42nd Division, upon 
reaching the Foret de Fere, July 25th, takes over the 
whole Corps front, one brigade (83rd) relieving the 
167th French Division and the other (84th) relieving 
the 26th (« Yankee ») Division, except the divisional 
artillery which continues in the forward movement. 

Facing Enemy in Strong Position 

With but one division now under its command, 
supported, however, by the artillery of two divisions 
(42nd and 26th Divisions), the 1st Corps, on a narrow 
front, faces the enemy holding a strong position from 
La Croix Rouge Farm, on the Jaulgonne-Fere-en- 
Tardenois road, to the woods eastward. (A few miles 
south of which, at Le Charmel, the 3rd Division is 
engaged in battle.) 

Iowa Troops Capture Key to Enemy's Position 

Commanding the road which it sweeps with its 
fire, strongly defended by a numerous garrison, armed 
with machine guns and trench mortars, LA CROIX 
ROUGE FARM is really the key to the enemy's 
position, but in a sortie through a ditch leading 
up to it early in the morning (July 26th), several 
platoons of the 168th Infantry (Iowa troops) 
surprise the defenders, and, in a brief but savage 
conflict, kill or overpower them, capturing the strong- 
hold. 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 115 

Advancing Further, We Are Later Driven Back 

In the afternoon, with the 168th Infantry passing 
around the farm en the right and the 167th Infantry 
(Alabama troops) on the left, the 84th Brigade makes 
cin advance in the face of an intense shell-fire of 
phosgene gas and high explosives, but, being assailed 
by an almost annihilatmg cross-fire of machine guns 
from German positions in the woods on both flanks, 
is, compelled, first, to halt, then to retire and « Dig in » 
for the night. 

Enemy's Position Untenable, He Retires 

In spite of his success in halting the American 
advance for the moment, the loss of LA CROIX 
ROUGE FARM renders the enemy's position 
untenable and before dawn it is discovered that the 
Germans have withdrawn during the night, leaving 
behind strong detachments of machine gunners and 
riflemen to delay the forward movement of the 
42nd Division, as they retire to a formidable defen- 
sive line on the wooded hillslopes near Sergy, east 
of the Ourcq. 

Pursuing, We Regain Touch with Enemy 

Preceded by scouts and French tanks reconnoitring 
ahead, the division, in quickly moving columns, takes 
up the pursuit, brushing aside, killing or capturing 
the enemy's delaying detachments, until in the evening 
of July 27th, when, coming under machine-gun fire 
from the eastern banks of the Ourcq, the tanks and 
scouts regain touch with the enemy holding a position 
of great natural strength, arranged in three strong 
defensive lines, in the hilly and wooded terrain about 
SERGY, MEURCY FARM. NESLES, SERINGES, 
and the FORET de NESLES. 

It is, in fact, a natural fortress which the enemy has 



116 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

fortified and strengthened by strong-points situated 
on hilltops, wooded spurs and creek banks, in villages 
farms and clumps of woodland, — all, capable of more 
or less mutual support, covering the three lines of 
defense, sweeping the hill-slopes with their flanking 
and enfilade fire down to the very fringes of the Ourcq. 
Within effective range, among the hills to the north 
and east, German batteries of 77's, 105's and 150's 
are in position, while within wing-flight a great 
number of bombing and battleplanes are concentrated, 
ready to swoop down upon the attacking lines with 
their leaden missiles of death. 

Formidable Task of ''Rainbow'* Division 

In their positions, ready and waitmg, are no less 
than three German divisions and, though the 1 st Corps 
has, in the meantime, taken command of two other 
American divisions, the 28th and 3rd, both in battle 
between Cierges and Roncheres, a few miles south, it 
is to the troops of the « Rainbow « Division that the 
great task falls of turning the enemy out of his natural 
fortress about SERGY. 

In Face of Heavy Fire We Cross the Ourcq 

With the stage thus set, the passing of the OURCQ 
begins at dawn July 28th when, in successive lines 
echeloned in depth, the infantry brigades of the divi- 
sion, with the 166th Infantry (Ohio troops) and the 
165th Infantry (New York City troops,— the old 69th) 
on the left, and the 1 67th Infantry (Alabama troops) 
and 1 68th Infantry (Iowa troops) on the right, move 
down the slopes to the river, and, in the face of frontal, 
converging and flank fire from the enemy strong- 
points, plunge into the stream to gain a footing on the 
other side. 

It is at first impossible to effect a foothold, but the 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 117 

attacking lines persist, and finally some of the New 
York troops find lodgement on the opposite banl<s 
to which they cling desperately until elements of all 
four regiments win their way across the river shortly 
after 10 o'clock and sweep forward together toward 
the enemy's lines, each brigade launching an attack 
against its designated iobjectives. 

Enemy Artillery and Aeroplanes Raise Havoc 

In spite of constant neutralizing fire by our own 
artillery, the German batteries, possessing the advan- 
tage of a previously selected line of target -points, 
subject our attacking forces to intense shell-fire, 
while low-flying aeroplanes frequently drop down 
close to the attacking lines and spray them with 
machine gun bullets. Well-directed shots by one 
of our machine gunners bring one of these aerial 
assailants crashing to the earth in flames, as our 
attacking lines, in the face of stiff opposition every- 
where, press forward, the New York and Ohio troops 
towards MEURCY FARM on the left, and the Iowa 
and Alabama troops towards SERGY on the right. 

Lines Sweep Back and Forth in Struggle 

In a spirited and almost breathless attack the men 
of the 84th Brigade take SERGY, but no sooner is the 
town occupied than a hurricane of machine gun bullets 
from the heights beyond descends upon them, 
sweeping them out of it and back to the river, with 
the Germans almost at their heels. Rallying quickly, 
however, they return to theattack, and, charging back 
upon the Huns, drive them from the town, holding 
it against shell and machine-gun fire until the enemy, 
reinforced by the famous Fourth Prussian Guards, 
retaliate with a counter-attack, precipitating a battle 
in which the lines sweep back and forth in desperate 



118 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

conflict during which SERGY changes hands time and 
again until sunset, when, finally gaining the upper 
hand, repulsing the Germans and rolling them back 
through the town, the lowans and Alabamians 
re-enter it, holding it through a night of intense 
artillery bombardment and air bombing. 

We Meet With Desperate Resistance on Left Also 

Meanwhile, the Ohio and New York troops of the 
83rd Brigade have been forging forward over the 
fire-swept terrain of hills and ravines to the left in 
their bid for the strong-point of MEURCY FARM, 
but, opposed every step of the way by desperate 
resistance, with a constant play of concentrated fire 
upon them, they have been unable to gain their distant 
objective before darkness settles over the battle- 
field. 

Wrathful, Germans Fight Like Demons 

Wrathful over their loss of SERGY, the Germans, 
like specters hurled out of the half-light of early 
dawn (July 29th), rush upon the town and throw 
themselves mto a determined, savage effort to conquer 
the occupants, resulting in a sanguinary conflict which 
surges back and forth for a time, until, assailed by 
overwhelming numbers, the Alabama troops, fighting 
for every foot of ground, are compelled before furious 
onslaughts to retire to the river bank ; there to make 
a stand and hold the enemy in check while the division 
launches a counter-attack which carries the whole 
front forward in an advance against the strongly-held 
plateau between SERGY and MEURCY FARM. 

Struggle Continues 

Substantial progress is immediately made on the 
right and SERGY is retaken before noon by the Iowa 
troops, who, pushing on, drive the enemy from 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF CLIENT 119 



HILL 220 nearby to the east, mounting their own 
machine guns on its crest to aid, w;th|their sweeping 
fire, the struggle of the Alabama troops for the top 
of the big plateau in the center and the advance of 
the New York troops towards MEURCY FARM 
on their left. While ground towards this formidable 
objective is gradually gained, with heavy losses on the 
way. It is not until after a heavy concentration of 
shells of all calibers is brought down upon the farm 
by the artillerymen of Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota, 
that the infantrymen of New York gam its ramparts 
and, with bayonets and rifle-butts, overcome the enemy 
machine gun defenders and capture the strongpoint. 

Difficult for Us to Hold the Farm 

Subjected, as it is, to an almost instant and intense 
machine-gun fusillade from the wooded heights of the 
FORETdeNESLESin the immediate front and assail- 
ed by heavy shell-fire from German batteries beyond, 
the farm itself is difficult to hold in force, but it is 
nevertheless successfully withheld from the enemy by 
a position quickly seized and « Dug in « in the little 
woods across the creek 200 yards west of the farm. 

Ohio Troops Now Advance 

Meanwhile, with the important and salient points 
of the battlefield wrested from the enemy's hands and 
with their comrades, killed and wounded, strewn 
over the yellow wheatfields as the price of success, 
the men of the 166th Infantry, on the extreme left, 
impatient and restless during a morning of necessary 
delay while the right is being carried, finally start 
forward in the afternoon from the south side of the 
Ourcq for their own distant objective of SERINGES, 
1,200 yards away, perched upon the bald hill, between 

FERE - EN - TARDENOIS and NESLES. Swept 



120 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



though it is by intense machine gun fire, the interven 
ing ground, bare and devoid of trees, is quickly 
covered by the Ohio troops. Well defended by a 
strong garrison, the village holds out against their 
attack, but working around it, to the northwest, the 
Ohioans seize HILL 184, From its crest, with their 
own machine guns, they pour a hurricane of fire into 
the village, soon silencing the enemy's machine guns. 
Storming it, they rush into the town, and assailing 
the Germans with the bayonet, drive them out and 
across the hills into the FORET de NESLES. 

Darkness Find-s Americans Holding Upper-'Hand 

While darkness closes down upon the battlefield 
with most of its tactical points in American hands, 
our possession of them is destined to be contested 
sharply the next day (July 30th) by the enemy who, 
reinforced during the night, confronts the 1st Corps 
at dawn with four divisions, a force greater, for the 
time being, than anywhere else along the front. 

Division Starts Forward Again 

In spite of heavy losses and the numerical 
superiority of opposing forces, the 42nd Division 
starts forward again at 9 a. m., when both bri- 
gades resume the attack, the 84th (Alabama and 
Iowa troops) on the right and the 83rd (New York 
and Ohio troops) on the left. 

We Are Compelled to "Dig In" 

Leaving the ruins of SERGY behind them, the 
lowans (168th Infantry), working forward through 
the ravine just northward, drive across the uplands 
towards NESLES, but, having progressed 500 yards 
and being flanked by machine guns from the wooded 
heights to the west, they are compelled to « Dig in » 
to hold their ground. 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 121 

Sweeping through the wheatfields of the big plateau 
in the center, the Alabama troops forge steadily ahead 
until noon when heavy resistance compels them to 
intrench on the hillsides 800 yards south of their 
objective, the CHATEAU de NESLES, held in 
strong force by the enemy. 

Supported by the well directed fire of the Minnesota 
artillery, the New York troops (165th Infantry) make 
some progress in the vicinity of MEURCY FARM, 
but, swept by machine-gun fusillades from the front, 
they, too, burrow in to hold their gains. 

We Work A Ruse 

Clinging to the crest of HILL 184, overlooking 
SERINGES, the Ohio troops repel repeated counter- 
attacks. In the afternoon, by the ruse of withholding 
their fire, they permit the Germans to worm their 
way back mto the town, launchmg a surprise attack 
upon them after dark, killing or capturing them all. 

Advantages Gained and Lost by Both Sides 

It is only at the cost of heavy casualties that posi- 
tions, dangerously exposed as they are, can be held 
or advances made, but it is one that must be paid. 
While the line remained practically stationary 
July 31st, the Iowa troops, in close liaison with the 
32nd American Division, advanced the right flank. 
In counter-attacks the following day the enemy forces 
them back to HILL 220, but, in the meantime, in the 
left center, the New York troops, seizing a sudden 
opportunity, forge ahead north of MEURCY FARM 
toward the FORET de NESLES, improving their 
position there by the gain. So, advantages are gained 
and lost and gained again ; each time the price is paid. 

Artillery Vying for Supremacy 

Meanwhile, the artillery on both sides, vying with 



122 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

one another, each for supremacy of fire over the other 
maintain a continuous duel* smothering each other's 
batteries with gas and blasting them with high 
explosives, interrupting their thunderous interchange 
now and then at intervals to concentrate their destruc- 
tive fire upon the battleline. 

Enemy Aeroplanes Master of Air 

With undoubted superiority in the air, German 
aeroplanes, swooping down out of the clouds like 
swarms of troublesome wasps, descend to levels 
immediately above the fighting troops, skimming 
along just over their heads, and, fore and aft, showering 
down machine gun bullets, upon them, wing their 
flashing flight away. 

Advantage of Battle Lies with Us 

Whatever difficulties confront our troops, whatever 
their momentary reverses may be, however great their 
losses, the advantage of battle lies with them : they 
have won and the enemy has lost, hurled away from 
theOURCQ, as he has been»and clinging now desper- 
ately to the positions he still retains under the 
subterfuge of an unwonted activity meant only to 
cover up secret preparations for a withdrawal, signs 
of which appear towards the late afternoon of 
August 1 st, when our artillery gains the upper-hand 
and compels the German batteries to slow down their 
fire and gradually retire. 

Germans Withdraw During Night 

Resorting to their favorite and usual tactics, the 
German infantry forces withdraw during the night, 
retreating under the protection of their long- 
range artillery, leaving behind strong detachments of 
machine gunners and snipers to harass the pursuit, 
on their way to the Vesle for another stand. 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 123 

We Pursue 

In the formation of the division for the pursuit 
the 1 1 7th Engineers (South Carolina and Gilifornia 
troops) replace one of the worn-out infantry units. 

With spirit and morale still unshaken and with a 
desire to inflict greater punishment still upon the 
foe, our troops, moving away from a field of epic 
battle, follow in the enemy's wake, advancing through 
the FORET de NESLES, gaining 3 miles before 
establishing their front lines north of LES BONS 
HOMMES FARM on the evening of August 2nd. 

Battle- Worn 42nd Relieved by 4th Division 

In the morning (August 3rd) the advance is resumed, 
and while the pursuit continues without a halt, the 
relief of the tired and battle-worn units of the 
42nd Division begins, being gradually accomplished 
on the march when the last forward elements are 
relieved near CHERY-CHARTREUVE and MONT 
ST. MARTIN by the 4th American Division which, 
returning to battle as one of the divisions of the 
1st American Corps, continues the pursuit to the 
Vesle. 

Following a brief rest, the 42nd Division withdraws 
to the rear for a period of recuperation in the vicinity 
of BEAUVARDES in the FORET de FERE. 

Splendid Achievement 

In nine days of continuous battle, with losses of 
5,500 officers and men killed and wounded, the divi- 
sion has penetrated a distance of 1 2 miles into the 
enemy's country, defeating elements of four German 
divisions, with many prisoners, 155 machine guns, 
^nd much material captured, to its credit. 



_^124 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

4th Division Now Reunited Fighting Unit 

It is as a reunited fighting unit, following its first 
battle experience, participating, in detached brigades, 
with the French in the crushing in of the Western 
Face of the Marne Salient northwest of Chateau 
Thierry, that the 4th American Division (Regular 
troops. Major General George H. Cameron, Regular 
Army, of Illinois, commanding), returns to action 
upon relieving the 42nd Division in the pursuit 
of the enemy toward the Vesle on August 3rd. 

Leading Battalions Push Forward in Pursuit 

Without stopping, the leading battalions of the divi- 
sion push on from MONT ST. MARTIN through 
the FORET de DOLE, following the enemy's heels 
until the pursuit, descending down into the valley of 
the Vesle, is halted by heavy artillery fire from 
ST. THIBAUT at 10 o'clock in the evening. 

Enemy DeternGiined to Hold Line along Vesle 

It is the first warning of another stand by which, 
with the VESLE as a barrier and formidable positions 
beyond, the enemy hopes not only to check and end 
the pursuit of the Allied forces, but to turn the tide, 
running so strongly against him, the other way. 

Indeed, from the viewpoint of the German High 
Command, the line of the VESLE must be held 
against the Allies at whatever cost so that the great 
watershed between the VESLE and the AISNE may 
remain in German hands, and the enemy is therefore 
prepared, with a tremendous concentration of men, 
guns and material, to offer formidable resistance along 
the entire French- American battlefront, now gradually 
assuming an almost straight line from Soissons to 
Reims. 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 125 

Under Enemy Artillery Fire 

From the moment the leading battahons regain 
contact with the enemy and while establishing their 
Imes on August 4th, the 4th Division is under more 
or less continuous artillery fire from German batteries 
north of the VESLE. 

Our Objectives 

Straight in front of the division lie its objectives : 
first, the village of ST. THIBAUT, then the crossing 
of the VESLE, the SOISSONS-REIMS railway, the 
village of BAZOCHES, the SOISSONS-REIMS 
highway, and the hills beyond, in succession. 

Division Moves Forward 

With the 7th Brigade (39th and 47th U. S. Infantry) 
on the left and the 8th Brigade (58th and 59th U. S. 
Infantry) on the right, the division moves forward 
on the morning of August 5th, in concert with the 
32nd American Division attacking the line of the 
VESLE at FISMES, several miles to the east. 

Strong Opposition Instantly Encountered 

Instant opposition is encountered all along the 
line ; the heights beyond the river blaze forth with 
artillery and machine gun fire. Progress is difficult 
against an enemy who, with every advantage of 
position, possesses superiority of fire with which he 
can sweep the advancing lines, but the leading battal- 
ions of the 4th Division forge gradually ahead until 
an attack, with rifles and machine guns, is launched 
upon ST. THIBAUT by the 39th Infantry. It is, 
of course, immediately met by fierce resistance, 
resulting m a duel between the opposing machine 
gunners, while the infantry engages in a savage 
han(^ *o-hand conflict which continues until 11 a.m., 



126 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

.^ B_~>. — . ,^i 

when the men of the 39th finally overpower the 
enemy and capture the town. 

Formidable and Desperate Task 

While the first objective is thus attained, the most 
difficult task still remains to be accomplished, — the 
crossing of the VESLE. It proves formidable and 
desperate from the very beginning, because the 
approaches and the banks of the river are swept by 
machine guns in commanding positions which cannot 
be reached by a direct assault, while from the heights 
above the enemy batteries pour down a perfect 
hurricane of shrapnel, gas and high explosive shells. 

Fighting Desperately Under Annihilating Fire 

In their precipitous rush over the fire-swept area 
between ST. THIBAUT and the VESLE, the leading 
elements of the 39th Infantry gain the river, but many 
of them melt away under the annihilating concentra- 
tion of fire upon them as they plunge into the stream. 
Some few, escaping death or wounds, gain the other 
bank, but only to be driven back and swept across 
the river again to the southern bank, there to cling 
desperately to their positions until aided by rein- 
forcements working their way forward through the 
enemy's gale of fire. 

Repeated Efforts to Cross River Fail 

Repeated efforts to cross the river to gain a footing 
on the northern side made during the night and on 
the following morning (August 6th) fail and it is not 
until after an artillery bombardment concentrated 
for four hours upon the enemy's positions that the 
attack is renewed at 5:30 p. m., when the attack 
battalions o^ the 39th Infantry on the left and the 
58th Infantry on the right, move down to the river 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 127 



bank behind a protecting barrage thrown down before 
them by the divisional artillery. 

After Violent Fighting We Finally Cross 

Destructive though this barrage is, the Germans 
oppose the crossing with violent and determined 
resistance which renders progress slow and difficult, 
but the attack is persisted in throughout the night, 
in spite of tremendous losses, until just before 
midnight, when the leading battalion of the 58th on 
the right and patrols of the 39th on the left win the 
northern bank, and, driving off, killing or capturing 
the enemy defenders, push forward to intrench 
themselves along the railroad grade just north of the 
river, — thus attaining the third objective of the 
division, which they hold through a night of galling 
fire. 

39th Infantry, Badly Crippled, Is Relieved 

Having suflered grievous losses, — 4 officers and 
69 men killed ; 1 4 officers and 674 men wounded, 
and 67 men missing, — the 39th Infantry is relieved 
in the morning (August 7th) by the 47th Infantry, 
supported by the 11th Machine Gun Battalion. 

Our Troops Resume Attack 

With fresh troops in the front lines the attack 
is resumed at 8:35 a.m., but in the face of the most 
determined opposition little progress is made until 
4 o'clock in the afternoon when, behind a barrage 
thrown down upon BAZOCHES by the divisional 
artillery, leading elements of the 47th Infantry 
working around the village, gain the SOISSONS- 
REIMS road on the left, while those of the 59th Infan- 
try, having crossed the river earlier in the day, pene- 
trate to the highway on the extreme right. 



128 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

Situation of Division Still Desperate 

Improved though it is by these gains, the situation 
of the division is still a desperate one, with the enemy 
in possession of the heights above and of BAZOCHES, 
which is at the apex of a salient thrust into our front 
lines. In addition to a constant and withering 
enfilade fire of machine guns and rifles to which the 
troops holding the exposed forward positions are 
subjected, the enemy maintains a deluge of gas and 
high explosives upon the front lines throughout the 
night, compelling the 59th Infantry, on the right, to 
fall back from the SOISSONS-REIMS highway to 
other positions on the railroad to the rear. 

Launching An Assault, We Are Driven Back 

It is with the greatest difficulty that the forward lines 
of the division are held until the afternoon of August 
9th when, in cooperation with a French division 
(now also under the command of the 1st American 
Corps) on the left, an assault is launched against 
BAZOCHES, and though as a whole the attack 
miscarries, some of our troops actually penetrate into 
the town. However, confronted by overwhelming 
numbers and suddenly assailed from the air by a 
swarm of six German battleplanes, which pour down 
a stream of machine gun bullets upon them, they are 
compelled to withdraw from the town and retire to 
the lines at the rear. 

Progress Beyond River Impossible 

In the meantime, while the VESLE has been crossed 
to the west, at FISMES and FISMETTE, by the 
28th American Division and at VILLETTE and 
ST. GILLES by the 6th Brigade of the 3rd American 
Division, progress Leyond the river there, too, has 
proved impossible against the almost impregnable 
positions, held by the enemy. 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 129 

Division is Relieved 

In view of unmistakable evidences of a powerful 
counter-attack being organized by the Germans 
against the slender forces still holding, under a terrific 
enemy fire, the exposed positions on the north bank, 
the 4th Division Withdraws its leading elements across 
the river during the night of August 9th, continuing 
to hold the south bank, under constant bombardment, 
until the night of August 11-12 when, with the 
exception of the divisional artillery, it is relieved by 
the 77th American Division. 

And thus, after nine days of as bitter battling as 
any American unit has so far experienced, and having 
sustained a loss of 752 killed, 4,812 wounded and 
590 missing, the 4th Division retires to the Foret 
de Fere for a few days' rest before proceeding to 
Reynel and Rimaucourt in the area of the First 
American Army being organized for independent 
operations against the enemy. 

First Battle Experience of First Corps Ends 

With fighting on the Vesle gradually degenerat- 
mg into the quietness of stabilized sector warfare, 
the first battle experience of the 1st American Corps 
comes to an end on August 13th when, after thirty- 
nine days of constant conflict from Chateau 
Thierry to Bazoches, it is relieved and withdrawn 
to become a part of the First American Army. 

" Keystone ' Division Returns to Battle 

While resting immediately behind the battle- 
lines, after participating in the defeat of the 
Fifth German Offensive east of Chateau Thierry, 
orders to go forward in support of other unit. 
in the advance northward from the Marne 
reach the 28th American C' Keystone ^0 Divisions 



130 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

(Pennsylvania troops. Ma] or -General Charles H. 
Muir, Regular Army, of Michigan, commanding. 
For regiments and other individual units composing 
Division, see page 579.) 

Goes into Action on the Ourcq 

When the division is called into action again, the 
Allied forces pursuing the enemy have reached the 
banks of the OURCQ. In preparation for a crossing, 
the 56th Brigade (1 1 1th and 1 12th Infantry) is brought 
forward into the reserve of the 38th French Corps, 
while the 55th Brigade (109th and 110th Infantry), 
relieving the 39th French Division, is sent into the 
battleline between the 42nd (« Rainbow ») Division 
on the left and the 3rd American Division on the 
right. 

Enemy Holds Formidable Position 

In position across the river, the Germans hold the 
BOISdes GRIMPETTES on the right, the village of 
CIERGES in the center, and the ARBE les JOM- 
BLETS on the left, — all formidable strong-points, 
bristling with machine guns capable of sweeping, 
with enfilade and cross-fire, the rolling terrain between 
them and the river, as well as the hillsides sloping 
down to the OURCQ on the other side. 

Attack Begins 

In unison with the flanking units of the « Rainbow » 
Division on the left and the 3rd Division on the right, 
the 55th Brigade, led by the 1 1 0th Infantry, with 
the 109th Infantry in close support, moves forward 
to the attack at 4:30 a. m., July 28th. 

Immediately upon going " Over the top '* , the 
attacking lines are swept by machine-gun fire from 
the enemy's positions across the river. Progress is 
slowly made, but in spite of the odds against them 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 131 

and heavy casualties from the very beginning, the 
Pennsylvanians forge gradually ahead, finally gaming 
the banks of the OURCQ at the end of three hours. 

Pennsylvanians Cross the Ourcq 

With a jaend in the river, forming a salient at the 
point of crossing, the attacking lines are subjected 
to a heavy concentration of fire from the enemy 
positions, but by heroic and persistent efforts the 
men of the 1 10th finally wm their way across the 
stream before dark to remain clinging to positions 
on the other side throughout the night. 

We Meet Violent Opposition Everywhere 

Following an artillery bombardment concentrated 
for several hours upon the German lines along the 
entire American battlefront, the attack is resumed 
at 3:30 o'clock in the morning (July 29th), but as 
the enemy, now thoroughly aroused, offers desperate 
resistance, little progress is made, and the 55th Bri- 
gade « Digs in » to hold its positions throughout the 
day, while the « Rainbow » troops are repulsing 
counter-attacks against them on the left and the 
3rd Division is holding its gains against violent opposi- 
tion on the right. 

Fighting Desperately, We Finally Advance 

Renewed efforts to advance on the morning of 
July 30th prove unavailing in the face of the enemy's 
fire, but after an intense artillery preparation in the 
afternoon, the men of the 1 10th Infantry, thoroughly 
exasperated and goaded into a desire for revenge by 
the sight of their dead and wounded, make a deter- 
mined rush, carrying their lines forward into the 
BOIS des GRIMPETTES, overrunning the German 
positions, killing or capturing the defenders, among 
their captives being 75 machine gunners, wearing Red 



132 DRAMA OF THE MARNE ____^ 

Cross bands upon their arms m defiance of all the 
laws of war. 

Death-Trap 

Immediately afterwards the lines are carried forward 
to the edges of CIERGES. Patrols, entering it before 
dark and finding the garrison gone, discover that the 
town has been converted into a veritable death-trap by 
a heavy concentration of poisonous gas, and positions 
are therefore established on the high ground to the 
south to guard against enemy counter-attacks during 
the night. 

55th Brigade Relieved 

Relieved before morning (July 31st) by the 32nd 
American Division (Michigan and Wisconsin troops. 
Major-General Wm. G. Haan, Regular Army, of 
Indiana, commanding), which takes over also the lines 
of the 3rd Division on the right, the 55th Brigade 
retires to reserve positions at the rear, having sustained 
losses of between 800 and 1,000 men in killed and 
wounded. 

28th Division Recalled to Action 

Recalled to action again on August 4th, the 28th 
Division moves forward toward the VESLE m 
support of the 32nd Division. 

Meanwhile, the 3rd American Corps (Major- 
General Robert L. Bullard, Regular Army, of Alabama, 
commanding) has replaced the 38th French Corps 
in command. 

Pennsylvanians Occupy South Bank of Vesle 

When the 32nd Division is finally withdrawn from 
battle on the VESLE, the « Keystone » Division 
moves up, with the 56th Brigade now in the lead, 
sending the 1 1 '^th Infantry forward during the night 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 133 

of August 6th-7th to occupy front line positions from 
FISMES westward along the south bank of the river. 

Enemy Holds Line in Tremendous Force 

Here, as elsewhere, the enemy holds the line of 
the VESLE in tremendous force, with strong-points, 
bristling with machine guns, on the blufFs commanding 
the stream and its crossings and artillery m positions 
of vantage on the reverse slopes beyond. 

Advancing in Face of Heavy Opposition 

In spite of being under heavy fire throughout the 
day, the leading battalions of the 1 1 2th Infantry launch 
a spirited attack across the river toward FISMETTE 
at 7 o'clock in the evening (August 7th). In the face 
of heavy opposition they gain the opposite banks 
during the night, and, sweeping forward early the 
next morning, capture FISMETTE. With this 
enemy stronghold in their possession, they establish 
forward lines which they hold through an almost 
constant hurricane of fire for two days until the 
1 1 2th Infantry is relieved by the 1 11 th Infantry during 
the night of August 9th-10th. 

We Attack on Larger Scale, but in Vain 

In the meantime, in cooperation with troops on the 
right (164th French Division and the 6th Brigade of 
the 3rd American Division), preparations are being 
made for a concerted effort to enlarge the gains on the 
north bank of the VESLE. With a combined machine 
gun and artillery barrage preceding it, the attack is 
launched at 4:30 a. m., August 10th. While patrols 
and scouts manage to penetrate into the ravines and 
worm their way up the hillslopes, the attacking lines, 
tollowing behind, meet with such a terrific concen^ 
fration of fire poured down upon them that progress, 



134 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 



only checked at first, finally becomes impossible 
without annihilating losses. In positions that are 
practically impregnable, with every advantage of fire 
control and direction so often possessed by the 
defense, the Germans cannot be dislodged, and the 
attack is finally thrown back, though our forces 
occupying FISMETTE retam their hold upon the 
village and their positions north of the river. 

Our Reserve Units Suffer Daily Losses 

In view of a possible counter-attack by the enemy, 
the reserve units of the division are kept busy con- 
structing a strong line of defense in the vicinity of 
CHERY-CHARTREUVE and DRAVIGNY, but 
even at this distance, four or five miles, behind the 
front lines, they suffer daily losses through the enemy's 
long-range shelling and visits from bombmg and 
machine-gunning aeroplanes. 

We Are Driven Out of Fismette 

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvanians continue holding 
FISMES and FISMETTE against the enemy, chang- 
ing the garrisons by battalions every few days, until 
a superior enemy force, launching a sudden attack 
at 4 a. m., August 27th, overwhelms two companies 
of the 1 1 2th Infantry in FISMETTE, compelling them 
to retire across the river. Still in possession of 
FISMES, however, the front lines remain, holding 
their positions on the north bank. 

28th Division Withdrawn 

With activity on the VESLE lapsing into stabilized 
sector warfare soon afterwards, the 28th Division is 
withdrawn on September 8th-9th, being sent to the 
area of the First American Army north of Toul. 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALiENT 135 

32nd American Division Arrives on Battlefront 

From the humdrum existence of trench warfare in 
a quiet sector of Alsace to the very fore-front of 
battle, and precipitated suddenly into the vortex of 
violent and deadly conflict, — this is the swift transition 
from a division in training to a full-fledged battle unit 
experienced by the 32nd American Division. (Wis- 
consin and Michigan National Guard troops. Major 
General William G. Haan, Regular Army, of Indiana, 
commanding. For regiments and other individual 
units composmg the division see page 579.) 

Withdrawn from Alsace, the units of the division 
are rushed by train to a point west of Soissons and 
thence sent forward by motor trucks to relieve the 
hard-spent and worn-out 3rd American Division on 
the battlefront between RONCHERES and CIERGES 
upon the evening of July 29th. 

Front Line Battalions Face Enemy 

Dawn the following morning (July 30th) finds the 
front line battalions of the division in position facing 
the strongly-held lines of the enemy in the woodland 
jungles of the BOIS de CIERGES, the BOIS 
des GRIMPETTES and the BOIS MEUNIERE, 
flanking the road between RONCHERES and CIER- 
GES east of the OURCQ. 

Wisconsin Troops Launch Their First Attack 

Within three hours after taking over the front lines, 
the division is advancing into battle for the first time. 
Following an artillery preparation of only twenty 
minutes laid down by the divisional artillery (Wisconsin 
troops) upon the enemy's positions, the 64th Brigade 
(127th and 128th Infantry, Wisconsin troops) launches 
an attack at 2:30 p.m., against the German machine 
gun nests, an the southern fringes of the BOIS des 



1 



136 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

GRIMPETTES, which have been retarding the 
progress of the Pennsylvania troops of the 28th 
American Division on the left. 

Like veterans instead of inexperienced troops new 
to battle, the men of the 64th Brigade assail and capture 
the machine gun nests ; then, with the enthusiasm of 
victory in their first encounter with the enemy, they 
leap forward behind a barrage that combs the tangled 
wildwood before them as they advance through the 
woods to its northern edges. 

Enemy Counter-Attacks 

However, they have scarcely established their lines 
when a vicious counter-attack is launched against 
their right flank from the BOIS de CIERGES. But 
prepared for just such an emergency, two companies, 
echeloned to the rear on the right flank, rush upon the 
Germans, throw them out of their flanking positions 
and drive them out of the woods, thereby establishing 
a solid front before evening in touch with the French 
on the right and the 28th Division, holding the heights 
south of CIERGES, on the left. 

Night Attack by Germans 

Whether to regain lost ground or simply to test the 
morale of new antagonists at whose hands they have 
suffered such swift and decisive defeat in their first 
encounters, the Germans launch a night attack, — • 
supposedly disconcerting to new troops, — at 10 p.m., 
and by a sudden rush from the BOIS MEUNIERE 
attempt to sweep the small force of Americans holding 
the right flank from their positions in the BOIS de 
CIERGES. 

Deadly Hand-to-Hand Conflict 

It proves a sad and disastrous experiment for the 
enemy. Rallying quickly, with bayonets fixed and 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 137 



using their rifles as clubs, our men meet their 
assailants and close with^them in a deadly hand-to- 
hand conflict, thrusting and cutting into them with 
cold steel and striking them down with blunt rifle 
butts. For an intense half hour the conflict is waged, 
without mercy on either side, but when the little 
woodland drama, enacted there in the darkness of the 
forest, comes to its tragic close it finds most of the 
Germans lying dead on the ground beneath the trees or 
in fhght back to their lines. 

And ro ends the first day's battle of the 32nd Division. 

Front of Division Extended 

Meanwhile, as a result of the gradual narrowing of 
the front and the consequent elimination of divisions, 
the 63rd Brigade (125th and 126th Infantry, Michigan 
troops) reheves the 28th Division on the left during 
the night, so that by morning (July 31) the 32nd 
Division is holding a line of two and a half miles, in 
touch with the "Rainbow" Division on the left and 
the 4th French Division on the right. 

Advance Resumed 

Following an artillery preparation of half an hour, 
the advance is resumed at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. 
Sweeping forward over the hills for over a mile on the 
left, the 63rd Brigade drives the enemy out of positions 
in the little wood of BOIS de JOMBLETS on a spur 
of HILL 220 whose fire was holding up the right flank 
of the "Rainbow" Division ; while the 64th Brigade, 
after occupying CIERGES and scaling the hills to the 
northeast, drives toward BELLE VUE FARM and 
REDDY FARM, to dislodge the enemy from those 
two fortified centers of resistance. While the ground 
toward these two objectives is being covered by the 
Wisconsin troops, however, their French comrades 



138 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

on the right, meeting desperate opposition in the BOIS 
de MEUNIERE, are unable to advance in unison with 
them, and therefore the 64th Brigade, driving ahead, 
finds itself by evening in a salient swept by a terrific 
cross-fire on both flanks, which compels a retirement 
of the front lines during the night to a position near 
CIERGES. 

Enemy Holds Positions of Formidable Strength 

Dislodged and driven back from the OURCQ though 
he has been, the enemy still holds positions of formid- 
able strength, giving him, in fact, control of the 
battlefield m front of the 32nd Division as well as the 
flanking divisions. In addition to BELLE VUE and 
REDDY FARMS, strong-points are held on HILL 230 
and in the BOIS de PLANCHETTE and BOIS de 
PELGER in the sector of the 32nd Division and in the 
village and chateau of NESLES and the FORET de 
NESLES facing the * 'Rainbow" Division on the left. 

We Endeavor to Dislodge Enemy 

While preparations are being made during the night 
for a joint maneuver to conquer these strong-points, 
evidence is not lacking of the enemy's intentions to 
resist every effort to dislodge him from the water-shed 
between the OURCQ and the VESLE. Indeed, from 
the moment the joint attack is launched early in the 
morning (August 1 st), the enemy resists desperately j 
and soon the battlefield is swept by machine-gun and 
artillery fire, while German aeroplanes swoop down, 
pouring bullets into our front lines. In the first 
forward rush HILL 230 on the right is captured by 
our troops, but, assailed by a cross-fire of machine 
guns from BELLE VUE and REDDY FARMS, they 
are compelled to give it up, while our forces in the 
BOIS de JOMBLETS on the left, driven back by ^ 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 139 

fierce counter-attack at 9 a.m., are forced to retire to 
their former positions. 

Our Troops Persist in Their Attack 

Meanwhile, a large concentration of enemy tanks 
and infantry is reported moving from NESLES in 
the direction of the 32nd Division front, but m spite 
of this apparent preparation for a counter-stroke and 
of previous momentary reverses, the attack is persisted 
in, and following closely behind a barrage thrown 
down upon the BOIS de JOMBLETS the 125th 
Infantry (Michigan troops) recaptures that woodland 
strong-point, while later in the afternoon the 127th 
Infantry (Wisconsin troops), forging ahead on the 
right, wrests BELLE VUE FARM and HILL 230 
from the enemy, though REDDY FARM to the north 
remains in German hands. Lunging forward again 
on the left, the 125th Infantry takes both BOIS de 

PLANCHETTE and BOIS de PELGER, though 
compelled to relinquish the latter during the night. 
In net results, however, with most of his strong-points 
in our possession, the day's battle has gone against 
the enemy. 

Enemy Retreats 

With the 63rd Brigade, supported by the 119th 
Field Artillery (Wisconsin troops), on the left, and the 
64th Brigade, supported by the 147th Field Artillery 
(South Dakota troops), on the right, the division 
resumes the attack at 4:15 o'clock the next morning 
(August 2nd), but, though some resistance is met with 
at first, it is soon discovered that the enemy's forces, 
having withdrawn during the night, are, as in front of 
the "Rainbow" Division on the left, in full retreat 
toward the VESLE, with delaying detachments of 



140 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

machine gunners left behind to offer such spasmodic 
resistance as they are capable of. 

Attack becomes Pursuit 

Presently the attack becomes a pursuit, and brushing 
aside the skulking Germans encountered on the way, 
the division pushes on northward, passing through 
CHAMERY, COULONGES, VILLOME and CO- 
HAN in turn, leaving behind areas of abandoned 
trenches, until by midnight its lines are established to 
the north of DRAVIGNY, almost four miles beyond 
the starting point in the morning. 

With indications of a hasty retreat by the enemy 
everywhere apparent, the division resumes the pursuit 
toward the VESLE in the morning (August 3rd), and 
though the roads, heavy with mud after several days 
of rain, are congested with the military transport of 
several divisions advancing in close proximity, rapid 
progress is made. Touch with the enemy is gained 
for the first time at 10 a.m., when machine gun resis- 
tance is encountered by the leading battalions of the 
63rd Brigade on the left from RESSON FARM and 
by those of the 64th Brigade on the right from the 
village of ST. GILLES. It is quickly overcome and 
the battalions push on, finally establishing the front 
lines of the division on the bluffs overlooking the 
VESLE before 6 o'clock in the evening. 

Americans Now Face Formidable Barrier 

In the immediate front lies FISMES, held in strong 
force by the enemy, while, up and down, the river 
is lined with machine gun nests, capable of sweeping 
both banks with their fire, supported by artillery in 
position in the hills beyond. Swollen by recent rams, 
the river, over fifteen yards wide at this point, is deep 
and swift ; both banks bristle with wire entanglements. 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 141 



designed to check and hold attacking forces under the 
very muzzles of the machine guns. With every device 
of which his genius is capable, the enemy has converted 
the Ime of the VESLE into a formidable barrier behind 
which to make a determined stand for the defense of 
the great water-shed on which he has concentrated 
a large proportion of his forces and materiel in the 
hope not only of checking, but of defeating and driving 
the Allies back to the south, if fortune should so favor 
him. 

We Attack and Suffer Heavily 
In spite of the almost overwhelming odds to be 
overcome, immediate preparations are made for an 
attack by the Wisconsin troops of the 64th Brigade. 
It is launched against FISMES during the night 
(August 3rd-4th) by the 1 28th Infantry, but the enemy 
immediately counters, and, with a terrific concentration 
of fire, throws back the attacking lines, with heavy 
losses. While the leading battalions manage to hold 
out until the late afternoon next day (August 4th), 
they have suffered so severely that the 128th Infantry 
is replaced by the 1 27th Infantry which succeeds, after 
desperate efforts, m getting one battalion through 
FISMES. Gaining the river bank, the battalion 
"Digs m", and holds its ground in the face of an 
incessant storm of machine gun fire and under a 
constant artillery bombardment which plays havoc 
in its ranks. 

Holding Position on Bluffs of Vesle 

In the meantime, the 125th Infantry (Michigan 
troops), carrying the attack forward on the left, though 
swept by machine gun fire from the lower slopes on 
the river, manages to push its patrols to the river bank 
and to hold its positions on the bluffs overlooking the 
VESLE in spite of an overwhelming concentration 



142 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

of artillery fire constantly maintained upon its 
lines. 

Engineers Work Heroically, But in Vain 

While the 107th Engineers (Michigan and Wisconsin 
troops), laboring like Trojans in the midst of explodmg 
shells and popping bullets, have brought forward 
material for pontoons and bridges, it is impossible to 
span the stream with the north bank in the enemy's 
possession and with the crossings under a constant 
and terrific deluge of fire. 

Persisting in efforts to cross the river during the 
next day (August 5th), the north bank is gained by 
individuals and small groups, but a crossing in force 
proves impossible before darkness closes down upon 
the battlefield. 

32nd Division, Weakened, Is Relieved 

Meanwhile, with its units fairly exhausted and 
weakened by heavy losses, the division is relieved 
during the night (August 5th-6th) by the 28th ("Key- 
stone") Division, brought forward once more to try 
conclusions with the enemy. 

Achievement and Losses 

In seven days of battle from the Ourcq to the Vesle, 
a distance of over ten miles, the 32nd Division has 
captured eleven pieces of artillery, over one hundred 
machine guns and many prisoners, suffering a loss 
of 27 officers and 569 men killed, 140 officers and 
3,885 men wounded and 2 officers and 147 men missing. 

Withdrawing to Rest Area 

Withdrawing from the battlefield, the division 
retires to the area between DRAVEGNY and CIER- 
GES for a brief period of rest and recuperation, which 
is destined, however, soon to be interrupted by sum- 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 143 

mons to participate with the 10th French Army in an 
important operation northwest of Soissons. 

French Flank Part of Hindenburg Line 

With the object of dnvmg the enemy from his 
defensive system between the AISNE and the 
AILETTE and of recovermg the old French positions 
on the CHEMIN des DAMES, as well as to aid French 
and British forces now pounding at the head of 
AMIENS SALIENT to the northwest, the 10th French 
Army has by furious assaults driven a sharp wedge 
into the German front between SOISSONS and the 
OISE river, thereby flanking the Hindenburg Line 
near the OISE on the left and striking squarely across 
the flank of the enemy's positions between the AISNE 
and the AILETTE on the right. .^ 

Germans Offer Stubborn Resistance 

While resisting from the first, the enemy somewhat 
tardily realizes that this flank attack, if it be continued, 
threatens, if it does not doom, his positions on the 

VESLE, AISNE and the CHEMIN des DAMES, 
and though the maneuver has, from its inception on 
August 20th, progressed steadily, it finally meets with 
determined opposition, especially in the vicinity of 
JUVIGNY, where large German forces in strong 
positions, supported by machine guns and artillery, 
are holding up the advance. 

32nd Division Recalled to Battlefront 

It is to this important point of the Allied battlefront 
that the 32nd Division, with its strength in part 
restored by replacements, is summoned from its rest 
area between DRAVIGNY and CIERGES to replace 
the 127th French Division in the front lines during 
the night of August 27th-28th. 

In front» crossing the sector of the division at right 



144 , DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

angles, lie the railroad running from SOISSONS north 
to CRECY-au-MONT and beyond that, less than a 
mile, JUVIGNY, nestling at the bottom of a ravine, 
whose wooded banks and branches form a perfect 
network of machine gun nests. 

Division Goes "Over the Top" 

Led by the 63rd Brigade (Michigan troops),, with 
its two regiments in line, the division goes "Over the 
top'* at daylight (August 28th) and, though encounter- 
ing stiif resistance from the first, moves rapidly forward 
over the hillsloptes down to the railroad, which is 
seized in cooperaion with French troops on the right. 
However, holding the ground thus gained exposes 
our troops to such a raking fire that a wide distribution 
of units, echeloned in great depth, is necessary, with 
the front lines held by men in shell holes and others 
holding positions to the rear and back of the hill crests. 

Enemy Counter-Attacks, But Is Driven Back 

In a counter-attack, launched soon after the division 
has established its lines, the enemy is repulsed and 
driven back with such ease as to discourage any further 
efforts during the night. 

We Attack, Are halted, and "Dig in" 

Following an artillery preparation of half an hour 
and preceded by a rolling barrage, the 10th French 
Army launches an attack against the enemy upon its 
whole front at daylight the next morning (August 29th). 
In the general forward movement, the 32nd Division, 
supported by French tanks and a troop of French 
cavalry, advances toward JUVIGNY, but, having 
weathered the artillery preparation intended to crush 
them, the enemy's machine gun nests, sweeping the 
advancing lines everywhere, inflicting heavy losses, 
halt the attack on the whole front, so that by evening 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 145 

our troops, conforming to the movements of their 
French comrades on their right and left, having gained 
little ground, "Dig in** for the night. 

Americans Now Advance 

However, it is only a brief and fleeting success which 
the enemy has thus scored ; for, upon the following 
afternoon (August 30th) the division, with the 64th 
Brigade (Wisconsin troops) in the lead, makes rapid 
progress toward JUVIGNY, in liaison with a French 
division attacking in the direction of CHAVIGNY on 
the right. 

Pressing forward in the face of desperate resistance 
and overcoming counter-attacks launched against 
them on the way, the leading battalions of the brigade 
reach JUVIGNY before dark, and, surrounding the 
village, wrest it from the enemy, taking nearly two 
hundred prisoners, after several hours of hard fighting. 

After Terrific Bombardment Enemy Succumbs 

Reinforced during the night by the artillery of the 
1st Moroccan Division, the 57th Artillery Brigade 
(Wisconsin and South Dakota troops), with no less 
than thirty -two batteries of 75 *s and nine batteries of 
]55's at its disposal, opens up in the morning (August 
31st) with a terrific bombardment upon the enemy's 
positions. With one gun for practically every 13 yards 
of the entire divisional front, the ground for several 
miles toward the east is literally torn up. For four 
hours the bombardment is maintained, being concen- 
trated, towards the end, upon the plateau and village 
of TERNY-SORNY. When the infantry begins to 
advance at 4 p.m., the bombardment is converted 
into a triple barrage in front of the attacking lines 
which, supported by French tanks and two sniping 
batteries of South Dakota Artillery, sweep forward to 

10 



146 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

find a dazed and shaken enemy in flight or ready to 
surrender. While some opposition is encountered at 
BEAUMONT FARM and in the BOIS d'ALSACE, 
west of the SOISSONS-BETHUNE road, so swift 
and successful is the artillery-protected advance that 
an assault is launched upon TERNY-SORNY before 
dark, resulting in the capture of the town, together 
with over 500 prisoners, by 8 p.m. 

Enemy Detachments Still Resist 

Resistance is still offered, however, by enemy 
detachments whose positions, being in ravines and 
trenches beyond its limits, have escaped the destructive 
effect of the barrage, but these too are overcome or 
captured, including two 104mm. field guns, with 
80 prisoners, taken by the machine gun company of 
the 1 25th Infantry. Meanwhile, the enemy, especially 
German artillery and transport, takes flight during the 
night toward MARGIVAL and the hills beyond. 

Americans "Mop up** 

With its front holding the north and south road 
immediately west of TERNY-SORNY and patrols 
covering the ground eastward, the division spends 
September 1st mopping up remaining machine gun 
nests and in improving its positions. 

32nd Division Leaves Battlefield 

Relieved during the night by the famous 1 st Moroc- 
cans, the division retires to support positions at the 
rear, from which it is withdrawn upon the evening of 
September 2nd, moving away from the battlefield to 
oin the First American Army being assembled north 
cf TOUL. 

Achievements 

In the five days of its brilliant battle-participation 
ioith the 10th French Army, the 32nd Division has 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 147 

contributed materially to the destruction of the enemy's 
defen sive system between the AISNE and the 
AILETTE, capturing nearly a thousand prisoners 
representing four different German divisions, as well as 
4 field pieces, 1 28 machine guns and trench mortars, 
700 rifles, 44,000 rounds of artillery and 270,000 
rounds of machine gun ammunition. 

Casualties 

In casualties it has suffered a loss of 15 officers and 
323 men killed, 72 officers and 2,333 men wounded, 
and 76 men missing. 

77th Division, New York City Troops, 
Called Into Battle 

While undergoing apprenticeship in trench warfare 
in a quiet sector of Lorraine, orders conferring upon 
it the distinction of being the first National Army 
division called into battle reach the 77th American 
Division. (New York City troops. Major General 
George B. Duncan. Regular Army, of Kentucky, 
commanding. For regiments and*;other^units compos- 
ing division, see page 579.) 

Proceeding with all haste to the VESLE, the division 
relieves the worn-out and almost decimated 4th Amer- 
ican Division during the night of August II th- 1 2th, 
going into position south of the river, in the FISMES- 
BAZOCHES Sector. 

New Yorkers Undergo Trying Ordeal 

Deprived of an opportunity to participate in the 
operations resulting in the reduction of the Mame 
Salient, reaching the front, as it did, when ^hostilities 
on the lines of the Vesle are becoming more or less 
stabilized, the division is, nevertheless, plunged into 
desperate and sanguinary warfare, being compelled to 



148 DRAMA OF THE MARNE 

engage in a constant and bitter struggle with the enemy 
to hold its positions on the south bank of the river. 
With the enemy holding, as elsewhere on the Vesle, 
positions of superior advantage, the front lines of the 
division are swept by terrific machine gun fire and 
deluged with high explosive and gas shells night and 
day. For a period of twenty-two days and nights, 
the New York City troops, being compelled to hold 
their positions in unison with Allied forces on the right 
and left, endure an ordeal which is always the most 
difficult to bear, — to accept punishment without being 
able to return it or to advance against the enemy. 

Pursuing Enemy As He Retires 

When, however. Allied operations dislodge the 
Germans from their lines of defense north of Soissons 
and the enemy suddenly retires from the Vesle, 
September 4th, the New York City Division follows 
in pursuit, making progress daily until September 9th, 
when resistance compels a halt in positions south of 
BOURG-et-COMIN, on the left, and south of 
VILLERS and REVILLON, on the right, with the 
enemy"''making another stand north of the Aisne. 

Division Relieved 

Having suffered heavy casualties in twenty-eight 
days on the battlefront, the division is relieved during 
the night of September 9th by the 8th Italian Division, 
proceeding the next day toward Toul to join the 1st 
American Army. 

Driven from Marne, Enemy Stands on Vesle 

While our troops, as we have observed, are still 
engaged against the enemy in August and into Sep- 
tember, the reduction of the Marne Salient is an 
accomplished fact when the Germans, driven north in 



CRUSHING IN EASTERN FACE OF SALIENT 149 

retreat by the victorious Allies, turn to make a stand 
on the Vesle early in August. 

Value of American Soldier Verified 

In Marshal Foch's great counter-offensive, the value 
of the American soldier, first demonstrated by the 
1st Division at Cantigny, has been verified by the 
achievements in battle of seven other American divi- 
sions, — the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 26th, 28th, 32nd, and 42nd, — 
costing us over 30,000 casualties. 

Stirring Scenes Reviewed 

With the Drama of the Marne now moving to its 
close, let us review, as the curtain descends upon 
the last act, the stirring scenes of conflict which have 
been unfolded before our eyes. We have followed 
our troops and their French comrades in constant battle 
against the enemy for three months. We have seen 
American troops, as Marshal Foch's deciding counter- 
weights, thrown into the scales of war at the crucial 
moment. We have watched them playing their 
parts, heroically and well, in every scene and act ; 
shattering the spearhead of the German thrust at' 
Chateau Thierry ; stopping the enemy's drive 
for Paris ; defeating the Fifth German Offensive ; driv- 
ing home Marshal Foch's counter-thrust ; carrying 
forward the Western Face of the Marne Sahent 
in the great counter-offensive ; crushing in the 
Eastern Face upon the enemy, and pursuing the 
legions of the Crown Prince relentlessly, first to the 
Ourcq, then to the Vesle. 

The Result 

Paris lies no longer within reach of enemy guns* 
France and the world are now safe from the German 
menace. The initiative has passed to the Allies, never 
to be lost. 



150 mAMX OF THE marne 

Americans Move to Other Fields 

And now, with conflict on the VESLE lapsing into 
stabilized trench warfare and with the battlefront on 
a practically straight line from SOISSONS to REIMS, 
—passing through SERMOISE, BRAISNE, BAZO- 
CHES, FISMES, and MUIZON,— we see our troops, 
their task accomplished, moving away from the field 
of their brilliant participation in one of the greatest 
battle achievements in history to join the First Amer- 
ican Army north of TOUL to try their mettle against 
the enemy under American command. 

And thus ends the Fourth, and last. Act of the 
Drama of the Marne. 



151 

CHATEAU THIERRY'S GRATITUDE 
TO AMERICA 

Before proceeding to the next phase of America's 
part in battle, let us pause for a moment, and listen to 
the voice of Chateau Thierry, speaking through her 
new Municipal Council at their first session, Decem- 
ber 10, 1919 : 

"The newly-elected Municipal Coun- 
cil of Chateau Thierry, at the moment 
of sitting in the city still in ruins, 
addresses to the American people the 
testimony of its gratitude and fraternal 
sympathy, and assures it that Chateau 
Thierry will faithfully preserve the re- 
membrance of the bravery with which 
the soldiers of the Great Republic fought 
for the victory which delivered their city. 

**A large number of those heroes were 
killed in that liberating battle and now 
lie in this little comer of the land of 
France. 

'*Neither their memory nor their 
tombs will be forgotten, and the popula- 
tion of Chateau Thierry, itself so sorely 
tried, will always reserve the most 
pressing and cordial welcome for the 
American families which may come here 
to accomplish their pious pilgrimage : 
some to render the supreme homage 
to their loved dead, others to visit the 
scene on which the events of the Great 
War took place in 1918". 



152 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



REDUCTION OF ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 

Antecedent Questions 

Best Utilization of American Forces 

When General Pershing reached France he found 
Allied military chiefs firmly united in the opinion 
that the American forces should be distributed in 
units of brigades, regiments and battalions among the 
corps and divisions of the British and French Armies. 
In support of this opinion, they argued that, we might 
thereby without training or recent experience in war 
or knowledge of all the problems involved, exert 
an influence upon the military situation of the Western 
Front within the shortest possible time ; that our 
soldiers, both officers and men, distributed among the 
veteran troops of England and France, would more 
quickly learn the game of war ; that problems of 
organization, training, administration, transportation 
supply, stafl direction, control and command, — in 
short, that everything, including strategy and tactics, 
would be simplified, and that America's military effort, 
moredly as well as physically, would begin to count 
with the least possible delay. With the enemy sledge- 
hammering offensives through the Western Front, 
first against the British, then against the French, 
threatening the channel ports, bombarding Paris with 
his long-range guns, any other utilization of our forces 
might be fatal, might be too late I 

Pershing Opposes Scattering of Our Troops 

It was a momentuous question that confronted 
General Pershing, but with a realization of the vital, 
possibly world-moving, consequences involved, as 
well as a perfect knowledge of the Herculean task 



ANTECEa)£NT QUESTIONS 15 3 

before him, he opposed firmly any plan of scattering 
our forces, insisting not only upon the preservation of 
divisions^^s such, but upon the eventual organization 
of corps and^armies as distinct American^battle units, 
to function and operate against the enemy under 
American direction and command^in sectors and upon 
ground of their own. Meanwhile, for preliminary 
training and to gain some previous experience of the 
enemy, he was willing to permit our troops to serve for 
brief periods with the British and French forces in the 
trenches, and later, as we have seen (page 2), when 
continuous German victories threatened the Allies 
with defeat,\;he placed all of the American forces and 
resources at^the command of Marshal Foch to Use 
when, where and how the Allied Commander-in-Chief 
might decide. 

We Win Victory in Military Diplomacy 

In principle, however. General Pershing's plan, 
though delayed, was agreed to, and thereby the Amer- 
ican Commander-in-Chief won for himself his greatest 
personal and individual victory in military diplomacy, 
gaining for his country, at the same time, an oppor- 
tunity which might otherwise have been lost of record- 
mg, in the imperishable pages of history, America's 
military effort as an achievement distinctly Amer- 
ican. 

First Steps in Organization of First 
American Army 

With confidence in his countrymen as men and 
soldiers, with a knowledge of their ability to learn and 
to put their learning to use and their adaptability to 
conditions and situations however hard, and, moreover, 
with an appreciation of the pride of the American 
people in an army of their own. General Pershing 



!54 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



therefore proceeded with his plans so that, as the 
reduction of the Mame Salient progressed and Amer- 
ican battle units were released from French command, 
the First American Army was organized, to operate, 
at first, under his own personal direction and com- 
mand. 

Permanent American Sector 

In the meantime, while American troops fought at 
many different points of the Western Front, the region 
of NANCY-TOUL (some 200 miles east of Paris), 
including the St. Mihiei and Meuse-Argonne theaters 
of war, was finally and definitely agreed upon as the 
permanent American Sector, destined to witness 
brilliant operations by American units under their 
own division, corps and army commanders. 

Reduction of St. Mihiei Salient Assigned 
To Americans 

In a conference between Marshal Foch and the 
Allied Commanders-in Chief, July 24th, 1918, the 
reduction of the ST. MIHIEL SALIENT was assigned 
to the American Army to be carried out in conjunction 
with operations elsewhere on the Western Front by the 
British and French forces. While no date was fixed 
for the execution of this important mission. General 
Pershing and his staflf began an immediate study of the 
task and the preparations of plans for carrying out the 
first independent large-scale operation by the united 
American forces. 

Creation of St. Mihiei Salient 

In its original basic conception, German strategy 
contemplated the employment of the German Army 
in a massive wheel movement, swinging on Metz 
as its hinge, sweeping with its outer edges through 
Belgium ^along the Channel, passing over intervening 



_^ ANTECEDENT QUESTIONS 155 

jrritory southward and westward, carrying everything 
efore it, with a view to the swift destruction of the 
Vench Army. It was^in their first forward sweep 
"om Metz and in their onslaughts upon the French 
krmy immediately afterwards that the German forces, 
1 the early days of the war, drove the wedge into the 
rench lines which created the ST. MIHIEL 
ALIENT. Capturing the city of ST. MIHIEL, about 
venty miles southeast of Verdun, they forced their 
ay across the Meuse and established a small 
ridgehead around the suburbs and hills of CHAU- 
ONCOURT on the western bank, cutting the double 
ack railway from Toul to Verdun which, connecting 
ith Epinal and Belfort on the south, had, before the 
ar linked up these four great fortresses of the 
istern frontier of France. 

Boundaries of Salient 
(See map in pocket at back of book) 

With ST. MIHIEL at the apex, the Western 
jace of the Salient^ held a more or less irregular line, 
riking northward from the valley of the Meuse across 
e high forested hills to Les Eparges for a distance of 
iout twelve miles, while the Southern Face, crossing 
e Meuse just above ST. MIHIEL, scaling the 
lights and descending again into j^the plains of 
e Woevre at Apremont, extended for about twenty- 
re miles eastward passing Xivray» Seicheprey, Flirey, 
imey, Regnieville, Fey-en-Haye, through the Foret 
I Bois le Pretre to a point just north of Pont-a- 
ousson on the Moselle. Roughly, the Western and 
)uthem Faces of the Salient, from Les Eparges 

the west around the apex to the Moselle on the east, 
ade up a total battlefront of forty miles. From the 
ise line extending for a distance of about twenty 
lies from Les Eparges on the west to Regnieville on 



156 St. MIHIEL SALIENt 



the east, the Sahent thrust forward one of the sharpest 
inequalities of the Western Front into the French 
lines for a depth of twelve or thirteen miles. Mont 
Sec, four or five miles northeast of Apremont» a 
lofty hill dominating the whole Salient, looked down 
upon the Allied lines in the lowlands, giving the 
enemy perfect observation of all movements for miles 
around. 

Strength of Position 

Primarily the natural strength of the Salient lay in 
the character of the ground, easily defended but 
difficult to take,|[on its Western Face extending^ 
along the [.eastern^ heights of the | Meuse north oi 
ST. MIHIEL, while security from attack on the 
Southern Face was assured by possession of th( 
heights of Loupmont Ridge and Mont Sec and the 
wooded and hilly ground sweeping down to the 
Moselle river at Pont-a-Mousson. In spite of natura 
defenses, however, the Salient possessed the weaknes. 
of all salients in that it might be attacked on botlt 
flanks and "pinched out". In the four years of thei 
occupation, the Germans had strengthened the natura 
defenses by a great mass and variety of artificial wor(c 
and wire entanglements, converting the Salient ini:« 
a strong and, in their opinion, impregnable position 

Importance of Salient 

From the enemy viewpoint, the principal defensiy 
value of the Salient was that it covered the strategi: 
center of Metz and the Briey iron basin, so neces 
sary to the Germans as a source of raw material fo 
munitions of war ; while offensively, in addition t 
interrupting French rail communication from west t 
east, it constituted a constant threat against Verdu 
and the entire region between Verdun and Nancj 



ANTECEDENT QUESTIONS 1 57 



Previous Attempts to Reduce Salient 

I While the French made two attempts to reduce the 
Salient, — one in February and the other in April, 1915, 
' — ^their operations resulted in local successes only, 
bnd the Germans retained the Salient practically intact. 

Necessity of Reducing Salient 

In a study of the territory destined to witness Amer- 
ican operations upon a larere scale it was apparent that 
the reduction of the ST. MIHIEL SALIENT was a 
paramount necessity preliminary to future important 
offensives against the enemy. 

In addition to relieving Verdun and releasing its 
rail communications, the reduction of the Salient 
would restore to France no less than 200 square miles 
of territory held by the enemy, many towns and 
villages, and a city inhabited by 10, 000^ people before 
the war ; it would reverse the threat of a German 
attack against Verdun to a threat of an Allied attack 
against Metz, furnishing a base line for future opera- 
tions both against the Briey iron basin and against the 
double track railway running up from Alsace through 
Metz, Montmedy, Sedan and Mezieres to Valenciennes 
in Flanders, one of the Germans' most important 
lines of communication by which they quickly 
shifted divisions back and forth as needed from one 
end to the other of the Western Front. 

Arrangements for Attack Perfected 

In a conference held September 2nd, 1918, between 
General Pershing, Marshal Foch and General Petain, 
the general plan for the reduction of the ST. MIHIEL 
SALIENT was definitely decided upon. Immediately 
following this conference. General Pershing and his 
staff perfected arrangements for the attack. Mapsi 
plans, battle instructions and field orders were prepared, 



158 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



covering the exact zone of action of every organization! 
defining the objectives to be attained by certain hourf 
and minutes, and the duties to be performed by ever^] 
unit of the army,— infantry ; cavalry ; field, heavy an^ 
railway artillery ; engineers ; tanks ; aeroplanes ; gai 
and flame troops ; signal corps troops ; and hospital 
units. 

All details regarding reconnaissance ; the evacuationr 
of prisoners and traffic control by the Military Police ,* 
pursuit of the enemy; liaison; anti-aircraft defense;; 
transportation ; evacuation of the wounded ; the supply y 
of ammunition, rations, water, etc., — all these details? 
were minutely arranged, no contingency that could] 
be foreseen being unprovided for. 

Assembling for Battle 

Meanwhile the forces necessary for the attack were 
being concentrated to be organized quickly into a great 1 
modern army, with its own railheads, supplied directly ' 
by our own Services of Supply. Divisions gradually ' 
approached the front and rear zones of the Salient,, 
coming from recent fighting in the Marne Salient, 
from quiet sectors in Alsace and the Vosges Mountains, 
and from training areas at the rear, all being assigned 
to American corps which had been organized to be 
assembled eventually in the First American Army. 

French, British, and Italian Units Join Us 

In addition to our own troops, however, the First 
American Army included many French and some! 
British and Italian units. Rewarding him, as it were, 
for surrendering command of his own forces, for the 
time being, when Allied fortunes were at a low ebb in 
May, Marshal Foch now placed Allied forces under 
General Pershing's command totaling approximately 
50,000 men ; from the French Army, many units of, 



\ 



PREPARATION 159 



corps and army artillery, three infantry divisions, one 
dismounted cavalry division, eighty air squadrons, 
many groups of tanks and detachments of gas and 
flame troops ; from the British Army, groups of tanks 
and two squadrons of night bombing planes of the 
Royal Navy ; from the Italian Army, two squadrons 
of night bombing Caproni planes. 

Pershing [Assumes Command and Establishes 
Field Headquarters 

General Pershing, establishing his field headquarters 
at LIGNY-en-BARROIS, assumed command, on 
August 30th, of the great sector, which included the 
ST. MIHIEL SALIENT, extending from Port-sur- 
Seille, east of Pont-a-Mousson, to a point near Cha-^ 
tillon-sous-les-Cotes, about six miles southeast of 
Verdun. 

Unique Historical Event 

For the first time since the Civil War an American 
Field Army was being assembled and for the first time 
in history troops of four nations, three of them of the 
Old World, were being united in an American army 
to operate against a common enemy under an American 
Commander. 

Overwhelming Strength of Force 

With a total strength approximating 600,000 men, 
of whom more than 400,000 American and 50,000 
French troops were intended for actual battle partici- 
pation. General Pershing*s forces represented not only 
the greatest concentration of troops ever assembled 
for one single specific operation, but, with 2,971 guns 
of various calibers and 1,481 aeroplanes, also the 
greatest artillery and air concentration that the 
Western Front had ever witnessed. 



160 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 

Pershing Hopes to Forestall Enemy's 
Possible Withdrawal 

In view of recent enemy reverses, especially in the 
Marne Salient, which had used up tremendous German 
reserves, and in view of the fact that the remaining 
available German reserves were now thoroughly 
involved in opposing British and French offensives 
between the Somme and the Oise, it was self-evident 
that the enemy could not expect to hold the ST. 
MIHIEL SALIENT against an overwhelming attack. 
If, therefore, the enemy became aware of Allied 
intentions or suspected the magnitude of the forth- 
coming operation against the Salient, he might with- 
draw and escape with most of his forces before they • 
could be trapped. It was, of course, known to General 
Pershing that German plans provided for an evacuation 
of the Salient in case of necessity, but he hoped, even 
if our preparations were discovered, to forestall the 
enemy before a complete withdrawal from the Salient 
could be effected. 

Utmost Secrecy Preserved 

When, therefore, September 12th was definitely 
fixed as *'D" day and 5 o'clock in the morning as "Zero i 
Hour", an immediate forward movement of battle | 
units toward the front on both flanks of the Salient I 
was commenced with the utmost secrecy, every effort ■ 
being made to preserve an appearance of ordinary 
normal trench warfare activity throughout the entire 
sector. Troop movements behind the lines were 
concealed from the enemy by every possible artifice 
and surrounded by every possible precaution ,* the 
artillery, in spite of its greatly augmented strengthi 
maintained only its former normal rate of fire ; the 
air service, though overwhelmingly increased, made 




Marshal Petain 

The Distinguished French Commander 

Under whose direction many American divisions 



operated. 



(Photo Henri Manuel, 'Paris) 



mist 




v% • ,i 'v a*.: 



PREPARATION 161 



only the usual normal flights over the lines ; troops 
^\d transport marched by night and lay in concealment 
jy day. 

Our Movements Discovered, but Germans 
Guess Wrong 

While the enemy may have been deceived at first, 
his suspicions were finally aroused. With the watchful 
eye of Mont Sec and other dominating observation 
points in German hands, it became practically impos- 
sible to make preparations unnoticed, but the precau- 
tions ordered by General Pershing were nevertheless 
continued and, strangely enough, served their purpose 
after all. For, bv virtue of deductions peculiarly 
characteristic of Teutonic mentality, it was at length 
decided by the German General Staff ^that troop 
movements and concentrations so patent to enemy 
aeroplanes and so easily detected by enemy observers, 
once their suspicions had been quickened, could 
not mean an attack in force against the Salient so 
long indisputably their own impregnable stronghold, 
but probably a mere feint to cover up an attack else- 
where. 

Enemy Vacillates 

While withdrawal of some heavy artillery and 
supplies several days before the attack might have 
indicated an intention of carrying out plans to evacuate 
the Salient, the Germans vacillated in indecision. 
Fatally blind to the truth, — indeed, puzzled, if anything, 
by the magnitude of the preparations against them, — 
they were nervous and hesitating ; they neither rein- 
forced the Salient sufficiently to guard against attack 
nor withdrew their troops to save them from capture, 
but, on the contrary, Issued orders to the defending 
force, consisting of eleven divisions numbering between 

ii 



1 62 GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BAITLE 



75,000 and 90,000 men, seven distributed over a 
admirable defense system of deeply echeloned lio 
and four in reserve, to hold their positions. 



i 



GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BATTLE 

(See map in pocket at back of book) 
First American Army in Position to Attack 

Meanwhile, the First American Arrny (General 
Pershing in personal command),gradually maneuvering 
into position, in readiness for the great attack, occupies 
the lines around the Salient on the night of September 
11th- 12th, in the following battle order : 

1 st American Corps (Major General Hunter Liggett, 
Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, commandmg), consist- 
ing of the 82nd, 90th, 5th, and 2nd American Divisions, 
in line from right to left from PORT-sur-SEILLE to 
LIMEY, on the Southern Face ; 

4th American Corps (Major General Joseph T. Dick- 
man, Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding), consistmg 
of the 89th, 42nd and 1st American Divisions, in Ime 
from right to left from LIMEY to RICHECOURT, 
on the Southern Face ; 

2nd French Colonial Corps (consisting of 3 French 
Divisions) from RICHECOURT on the Southern 
Face around the apex of the SALIENT to MOUILLY, 
on the Western Face ; 

5th American Corps (Major General George 
Cameron, Regular Army, of Illinois, commanding 
consisting of the 26th American Division, 1 5th Frenc 
Colonial Division and part of the 4th American Divi 
sion, in line from right to left from MOUILLY t 
WATRONVILLE on the Western Face. 

In reserve are : For the First Army, the 35th Divisioii i 
at LI VERDUN, and the 91st Division at SORCY-sur- 
MEUSE ; for the 1 st Corps, the 78th Division ; for 



GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BATTLE 163 



the 4th Corps, the 3rcl Division ; for the 5th Corps, 
part of the 4th Division. 

Plan of Attack 

In general terms, the attack has been planned as a 
great enveloping operation designed to break through 
the enemy's lines on each face of the Salient, commenc- 
ing with an initial assault by the 1st and 4th Corps on 
the Southern Face from PONT-a-MOUSSON to 
RICHECOURT at 5 o'clock in the morning, and to be 
followed three hours later (at 8 o'clock) by an advance 
of the 5th Corps on the Western Face from MOUILLY 
to WATRONVILLE. with the 2nd French Colonial 
Corps holdmg the Imes on the flanks to the immediate 
right and left of the apex, and attacking on the Southern 
Face from ST. MIHIEL eastward to RICHECOURT 
at 7 o'clock, and on the Western Face from ST. 
MIHIEL northward to MOUILLY at 10 o'clock. It 
is the purpose of the French attack, by engaging the 
enemy, to hold his forces at the apex of the Salient so 
that, as the two flank attacks by the American divisions 
gain progress and meet at the center, the Germans, 
in any effort to escape northward, will be cut off and 
captured. 

Two Deadly Gates 

Indeed, the two flank attacks by the American 
forces may be likened to the action of two big Gates ; 
one, with its hinge on the MOSELLE, above PONT- 
a-MOUSSON, and its outer edge near XIVRAY, 
swinging north and grazing by and avoiding the strong- 
point of MONT SEC ; the other, with its hinge above 
LES EPARGES and its outer edge at MOUILLY, 
swmgmg northeastward ; the edges of the two Gates 
meeting and closing in the valley, just below HATTON- 
CHATEL, then moving forward together, thus "pinch- 
ing off" all the area to the south and southeast 



164 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



towards the city of ST. MIHIEL. Meanwhile the 
French, attacking at the apex, on both sides of ST. 
MIHIEL, are to involve the Germans in a delaying 
action, pinning them down to their defenses until the 
two Gates are closed behind them and escape is cut off. 
Battle Begins With Titanic Bombardment 
In the midst of a terrific rainstorm, the attack com- 
mences at 1 o'clock in the morning of September 1 2th 
when bursts of flame that pierce the darkness upon 
the entire front of forty miles leap forth from the i 
muzzles of thousands of guns, both French and Amer- 1 
ican, ranging in caliber from small 75 *s (3 inch) to 
the huge 400*s (16 inch) of the railway artillery. While 
the heavier guns bring down an avalanche of steel 
upon railway and road junctions andfbombard impor^ 
tant villages and towns behind the German lines as 
far north as Metz, the Hghter guns concentrate 
upon the enemy's defensive lines and positions, tearing 
up trenches, crushing in dugouts, razing miles of wire 
entanglements, spreading death and destruction every- 
where. It is a stupendous bombardment,^probably 
the most Titanic ever witnessed upon the Western 
Front, — ^which plays havoc with the enemy's defensive 
scheme, disrupts his communications, and demoralizes 
his forces, driving them everywhere to cover in the 
bowels of the earth. 

Inferno Continues 

Meanwhile, as the bombardment continues hour 
after hour, belching forth its fire, shaking heaven and^ 
earth, reverberating through the valleys, echoing 
among the hills, suppressed excitement, tense expec- 
tancy, high hope and brave confidence, all commingled, ^ 
pervade the vast organization of the First American 
Army. From the Commanclcr-in-Chief, back at his 
headquarters at Ligny-en-Barrois, to the humblest 



GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BATTLE 



165 



soldier on watch in the front lines, all are sure of 
victory. 

Infantry Eagerly Waiting to " Jump off " 

In their positions of readiness in rain-soaked trenches, 
our attacking forces, hundreds and thousands of 
American infantrymen, wait with tense eagerness for 
the moment of attack while their comrades of the 
artillery blaze away throughout the night. 

Tanks Aching to Roll Forward 

In gaps cut in the trench lines, at road crossings 
and junctions, those inseparable companions of the 
"Doughboys", the soldiers of the tanks, both American 
and French, hold their steel steeds in leash, awaiting 
release to roll forward and crash down upon the 
enemy's lines at daylight. 

Aviators Impatient to Start 

In airdromes and hangars upon flying fields back 
of^the lines, thousands of young aviators, — ^American, 
British, French and Italian, — keep impatient feet upon 
the ground while awaiting, in the darkness shrouding 
them around, the first streaks of dawn to wing their 
flight, like swarms of bees, over the enemy's territory. 

German Artillery Makes Feeble Response 

Feeble response is made by the German artillery, 
principally because it is impossible for the enemy 
gunners to man their guns in the face of the overwhelm- 
ing and destructive force of our bombardment, and 
because, when caught by our fire, some of the enemy's 
heavy artillery is in process of being withdrawn to 
the rear of the Salient. 

Duration of Our Bombardment 

In accordance with the plan of successive infantry 



166 St. MIHIEL SALlENi 



attacks in various sectors upon both flanks oi the Sa- 
lient, the artillery bombardment is maintained against 
the Southern Face for four hours and against the 
Western Face for seven hours. 

First to Go "Over the Top*' 

First to go '* Over the top ** are the infantry units 
of the seven divisions of the I st and 4th Corps charged 
with the task of closing the Southern Gate of the 
Salient. When, from the Moselle to Richecourt 
on the Southern Face, the artillery bombardment 
changes suddenly at 5 a.m. into a rolling barrage, 
they leap forward behind it into the twilight preceding 
dawn^ and, accompanied by tanks and engineer detach- 
ments, with wire cutters and bangalore torpedoes, 
to prepare gaps for them through wire entanglements, 
make their way toward the enemy's lines, slowly for 
the first few moments, but more rapidly as the attacking 
forces, in line from right to left for a distance of thirteen 
miles, gain touch and join their flanks. 

Advance Gains Impetus 

With the approach of daylight, the advance gains 
impetus and soon sweeps up against the German 
defenses with irresistible dash, with the men plunging 
through and over wire entanglements into the enemy's 
trenches. Little resistance, save from scattered in- 
fantry detachments, is encountered, and as the bar- 
rage rolls over and goes beyond them, the Germans 
come forth from their dugouts and strong-points to 
surrender or submit tamely to capture. Soon the 
roads leading to the rear are swarming with prisoners, 
dazed and bewildered and utterly demoralized by 
the intensity of the artillery fire to which they have 
been subjected. 



GENERAL ACCOUNT OF 6AtTLE! 167 

Enemy Completely Overpowered 

While expecting an attack, the Germans have 
suspected neither its magnitude nor when or where 
it was likely to fall, and coming so suddenly upon 
them out of the dawn, it has surprised them, rendering 
them helpless. While there is some artillery fire from 
German batteries in positions far to the rear, this is 
quickly smothered by our own preponderating artillery. 
In the air too we are supreme. German avions which 
seek to penetrate our lines are quickly put to flight, 
and as our battleplanes wing on ahead of them or hover 
over them, our infantry hosts below roll over the hills 
and meadows, through woods and valleys, outdistancing 
tanks and batteries detailed to accompany them, 
sweeping everything before them. 

Difficult Operation Well Executed 

In carrying forward the Southern Gate of the Salient 
the seven divisions of the 1st and 4th Corps naturally 
have different distances to cover, varying in depth in 
each sector from right to left, the shortest advance 
being at the hinge on the MOSELLE north of PONT- 
a-MOUSSON and the greatest being on the marching 
flank or edge of the Gate sweeping northward from 
XIVRAY. It is a delicate and difficult operation, 
but the divisions maintain perfect liaison with one 
another. 

Western Gate Begins to Close 

The Southern Gate is well on its way northward 
when at 8 a.m., the artillery bombardment on the 
Western Face of the Salient changes into a rolling 
barrage behind which the divisions (two American 
and one French) of the 5th Corps leap forward between 
MOUILLY and WATRONVILLE to close the 
Western Gate against the enemy. Launching their 



168 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



assaults against the three difficult hills of LES EPAR- 
GES. COMBRES and ARMANTHE, these divisions, 
with the advantage of broad daylight, quickly carry 
the forward lines of the enemy's defenses, driving 
the troops of an Austro-Hungarian division from 
successive systems of strong trenches on the heights 
and ravine slopes overlooking the Meuse valley. 
Resistance stiffens later in the morning and some hard 
fighting ensues, but by noon the French and American 
units of the 5th Corps have gained the crests of LES 
EPARGES, the edges of ST. REMY, and the woods 
to the south, thus carrying the Western Gate gradually 
forward toward the eventual meeting place. 

French Launch Attack Against Apex of Salient 

Meanwhile, the French troops of the 2nd Colonial 
Corps, launching their successive atcacks at 7 and 
10 o'clock, first on the Scguthern Face of the Salient 
eastward of ST. MIHIEL and then on the Western 
Face north of ST. MIHIEL, force the Germans to 
engage a large part of their forces in an action which 
delays their retreat, as the American forces continue 
the process of closing the Gates. In the attack east 
of ST. MIHIEL the French capture APREMONT, 
LOUPMONT and MONT SEC, while to the north, 
after partially occupying ST. MIHIEL and clearing 
, the bridgehead of ^ CHAUVONCOURT, they drive 
through the enemy's lines with an attack which carries 
them quicWy to SPADA and MARIE HILL and then 
to CHAILLON, astride the road over which the 
Germans are in retreat toward VIGNEULLES. 

Enemy's Scheme of Defense Poor 

While the enemy possesses throughout the Salient 
strong positions and an admirable system of successive 
lines of defense, susceptible of stubborn, if not sue- 



GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BATTLE 169 



cessful, resistance by forces^^greatly inferior in strength, 
little%rganized effort appears to be made to stem the 
tide of our advance. In certain sectors, jt is true, 
some rather stiff resistance is encountered, but it 
proves ineffective, is soon overcome, and serves to 
delay our forces only for a while. In fact, the enemy's 
whole scheme of defense seems to be not only demor- 
alized but paralyzed, probably because of the over- 
whelming numbers by which he is being assailed and 
because he has been suddenly caught in what appears 
to be the beginning of a leisurely withdrawal from 
the Salient. 

Germans Show First Signs of Determined 
Opposition 

It is not until after noon that the first signs of organ- 
ized and determined opposition appear, when rein- 
forcements, coming to the aid of the Germans retreating 
on the Southern Face of the Salient, are thrown into 
a counter-attack against the 1st Corps near THIAU- 
COURT and VIEVILLE-en-HAYE, both of which 
have been captured earlier in the day. In spite of 
the support of heavy artillery and machine gun fire 
which inflicts losses among our troops, the counter- 
attack lacks both spirit and vigor. It is repulsed and 
serves to impose only a temporary delay upon the 
advance of the 1st Corps which, in unison with the 
4th Corps on the left, continues to swing the Southern 
Gate northward. 

Resistance, some of it heavy and desperate, is encoun- 
tered by the 4th Corps, especially at the enemy's 
trench lines in the wooded regions between LAHAY- 
VILLE and NONSARD, but it is overcome and the 
forward movement of our troops on the outer edges 
of the Gate continues steadily. 



170 ST. MfHiEL SALlENf 



Western Gate Overcomes All Resistance 

Meanwhile, over on the other side of the Salient, 
the French and American troops of the 5th Corps, 
pushing the shorter Gate of the Western Face forward, 
make equal progress, though not without resistance 
encountered during the afternoon and evening. In 
a brief stand, some German elements make a counter- 
attack in which they are repulsed by the French, 
while others make desperate efforts to cling to the 
eastern crests pf LES EPARGES, COMBRES and 
ARMANTHE until they are dislodged and driven 
in disordered retreat through the FORET de LA 
MONTAGNE by nightfall. 

Closing Gap Between Gates 

With the fighting fronts of the 1st and 4th Corps 
upon an irregular line running westward from the 
MOSELLE south of NORROY through VIEVILLE- 
en-HAY, THIAUCOURT and BENEY, then curving 
southward through LAMARCHE-en-WOEVRE and 
NONSARD to a point west of MONT SEC, the 
Southern Gate still lacks at midnight some distance 
on its outer edges in its northward swing to the closing 
point. Similarly, with the fighting in front of the 
5th Corps upon a line running south-eastward from 
PONVOUX through BONZEE, COMBRES and 
HERBEUVILLE, to a point west of THILLIOT, the 
Western Gate also has some distance still to go to 
reach a meeting point with the Southern Gate. 

It is necessary, however difficult it might be, to 
close the gap between the two Gates in order to cut 
off the enemy's escape from the apex of the Salient. 
In spite of the intense darkness, therefore, the closing 
movement on both Gates is continued throughout 
the night. 



GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BATTLE j^j 

Gates Closed ; Enemy Trapped 

With the troops of the 4th Corps on the left of the 
Southern Faccand those of the 5th Corps on the right 
of the Western Face working forward toward each 
other during the night, each anxious to reach the 
meeting place first, the advance becomes a race in 
which the 1st and 26th ("Yankee") Divisions are the 
friendly competitors. Leading battalions of ,the 26th 
Division, advancing from the west, reach HATTON- 
CHATEL at 2 o'clock in the morning (September 
1 3th), while those of the 1 st Division, advancing from 
the east, enter VIGNEULLES and HATTONVILLE 
at 3:15 a.m. Later in the morning, at 7 o'clock, the 
two divisions join their lines in the triangle formed 
by the three towns, and, with liaison complete across 
the base of the Salient, the Gates are closed, barring 
the enemy's retreat from the apex toward the north. 

Completing Reduction of Salient 

While the St. MIHIEL SALIENT, after four years 
of possession by the enemy, is thus "pinched out" 
and obliterated by the First American Army, practi- 
cally within the first twenty-four hours of its initial 
independent operation, advances are continued upon 
the whole new front during the following three days 
(September 13th- 15th) in order to make the reduction 
of the Salient complete. 

Task Finished, Our Lines Are Stabilized 

With local fighting here and there, daily gains 
averaging two or three miles are made along most of 
the front until the third day (September 15th) when 
our troops, their task finished, halt and establish their 
lines in front of the enemy's MICHEL POSITION, 
which constitutes a strong link in the famous Hinden- 
burg Line. When finally stabilized on September 



172 ST. MmiEL SALIENT 



18th, our lines hold a front of almost thirty miles 
running in a 'general north-westerly direction from 
the MOSELLE at PORT HALLE on the east, going 
north of VANDIERES, skirting the northern edges 
of BOIS des RAPPES, passing just to the southward 
of REMBERCOURT, CHAREY, HAUMONT, and 
LAKE LACHAUSSEE, northward of WOEL, DON- 
COURT, ST. HILAIRE and CHAMPLON, through 
FRESNES-on-WOEVRE, MANHEULLES and 
PONVAUX to WATRONVILLE on the west. 

Irony of Fate 

With their memories of 1870 it must seem the very 
irony of Fate to the Germans to be brought down in 
humiliating defeat within a dozen miles of the. famous 
fields of MARS-la-TOUR, VIONVILLE, and GRA- 
VELOTTE, by the soldiers from the Republic across 
the seas whom they had held in such slight regard as 
fighting men. 

Military Necessity Causes Untimely Close 
of Operation 

It is with the greatest regret, shared by everyone 
from the Commander-in-Chief down to the humblest 
subordinate, that the great operation, so brilliantly 
conceived and executed, has thus been brought to an 
untimely close with the strategic center of the great 
Fortress of Metz and the iron fields of Briey within 
striking distance of our lines and with the railway 
constituting the German lines of communication from 
Alsace to Flanders under our guns, because military 
necessity, to which we in playing the game with our 
Allies must accede, calls our troops away for battle 
upon the fields of the Argonne and the Meuse. 

Results of Our Victory Tremendous 

In the victory of ST. MIHIEL, perhaps the swiftest 



GENERAL ACCOUNT OF BATTLE 173 

and most spectacular ever achieved on the Western 
Front, the results, — mihtary, material and moral, — 
gained by the First American Army, practically within 
the first twenty-four hours, are probably the greatest 
ever obtained in a single operation. With casualties 
totaling only about 7,000, remarkably light considering 
the numbers engaged, our forces have captured 16,000 
prisoners, 443 pieces of artillery, 752 machine guns, 
thousands of rifles, many trench mortars and other 
weapons ; great quantities of ammunition, clothing 
and equipment ; equally great quantities of ordnance, 
engineer, telegraph and railroad materiel, including 
rolling stock. 

More than 200 square miles of territory and many 
hundreds of cities, towns and villages have been 
restored to France after four years of enemy occupation, 
and the German threat against Verdun and the region 
between Verdun and Nancy has been turned into an 
Allied threat against Metz, the Briey iron basin, and 
the enemy's important railway communications. 

In the first independent operation, the First American 
Army has proved itself to be an effective weapon In 
Allied hands for more vital fighting. In the first great 
test, the Staff and Line of our forces have shown 
perfect cooperation : the Staff has proved capable of 
planning, directing and coordinating ; the Line, of 
reaching and carrying all objectives on schedule time. 

More important still, however, ST. MIHIEL has 
proved the American soldier to be worthy of Allied 
trust and confidence, — and of enemy respect and fear. 



174 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



DETAILS OF BATTLE 

(See map in pocket at back of book) 
Divisions in Individual Actions 

With the foregoing general account of the ST. 
MIHIEL operation in mind, let us follow for a moment 
each of our battle divisions in the individual actions 
which make up the sum total of the achievement of 
the First American Army. 

82nd DIVISION 

With the 1st and 4th Corps in position on the 
Southern Face of the Salient upon the evening of 
September 1 1 th, the delicate, though less spectacular, 
role of acting as pivot for the attack and as the hinge 
for the southern Gate is given to the 82nd American 
Division. (National Army troops of Georgia, Alabama 
and Tennessee. Major General William P. Burnham, 
Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding. For 
regiments and other units composing division, see 
page 579.) 

Battlefront of Division 

In position east of the MOSELLE, holding a battle- 
front of about 5 mile^, extending from the river SEILLE 
between PORT-sur-SEILLE and MORVILLE, skirt- 
ing the northern fringes of BOIS la FOURNASSE 
and encircling LES MENILS, sweeping thence 
southward and crossing the MOSELLE in front of 
PONT-^-MOUSSON, to the eastern edges of the 
FORET du BOIS le PRETRE, the division is required 
to hold fast with its right and follow up the attack 
with its left, in liaison with the 90th Division, as the 
advance proceeds. 

Playing Role of Pivot 

When the artillery bombardment changes into a 
rolling barrage upon the whole front at 5 o'clock on 



82nd division 175 



the morning of September 12th, the Southern troops 
of the 82n€l Division are initiated into their first great 
battle, but in order to play the role of pivot for the 
whole forward movement, they must forgo the impulse 
to rush ahead in an attack upon the enemy, — to which 
they have no doubt looked forward with impatience 
during a night of terrific rain in the trenches. While 
the units on the right of the line hold their positions 
for hours after the attack is launched, those on the 
left, west of the MOSELLE, move forward slowly 
until daybreak, conforming to the progress of the 
units with which their flank is in touch, working 
ahead along the edges of the FORET du BOIS le 
PRETRE. 

A Delicate Task 

It is slow tedious work, not at all to the likmg of 
soldiers aching to fight, and though the pace increases 
a bit during the morning, the delicate task of main- 
taining itself as the hinge of the gate requires perfect 
maneuvering of the division in movements neither 
too fast nor too slow. Gradually the lines are advanced, 
as the attack to the left makes progress, but little 
resistance, save intermittent machine gun fire and 
rifle fire, is encountered by the division, though it 
receives its share of enemy shells once the German 
artillery begins a response to our batteries, rolling 
their barrage in front of our attacking troops. 

Stiff Fighting Overcomes All Resistance 

When resistance stiffens in the afternoon and 
German reinforcements are rushed forward in an 
effort to check the advance of our troops to the west, 
the'^82nd Division finds its left opposed for a while. 
With some stiff fighting this opposition is soon over- 
come and steady progress along the Moselle northward 



76 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



is made, so that by nightfall the whole divisional front 
has advanced, with the right flank being gradually 
drawn in toward the Moselle and the left flank resting, 
as the hinge of the gate, just south of NORROY on 
the river. 

Advance Resumed 

In the morning (September 13th) the hinge move- 
ment is resumed, with the whole division in line west 
of the Moselle upon a greatly contracted front, which 
it is necessary to maintain in order to pivot the forward 
movement of other divisions on the left. 

Division Halts Again 

Some progress is made in the early morning, but later, 
as the Southern Gate, in its northward swing, joins 
and closes with the Western Gate, the advance of the 
division is halted, with the right flank on the 
MOSELLE and the left in position less than a mile 
north of NORROY. 

Lines Advanced and Extended 

For the remainder of the day and throughout the 
next day (September 14th) this position is held, but 
as the whole front of the First American Army is 
advanced in pursuit of the enemy toward the Michel 
Position, the lines of the division are moved forward 
and extended, with the right flank on the heights of 
the Moselle, halfway between Norroy and Vandieres 
and the left in position a mile west of Vandieres. 

While the new American front is being consoli- 
dated and strengthened, the division remains in 
position on the right flank (September 15th- 17th) 
until the reduction of the ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 
is finished. 



t:'^ 







90th division 177 



0ivision Relieved 

In its first battle action, the 82nd Division has, 
in carrying out a difficult and important role, contri- 
buted to the brilliant results achieved by the First 
American Army, and being relieved, with other 
divisions of the 1st Corps, proceeds to the Argonne 
for a greater opportunity to prove its mettle. 

90th DIVISION 

Immediately to the left of the hinge of^the Southern 
Gate, covering a front of almost four miles, extending 
from a point in the FORET du BOIS le PRETRE 
about one mile northwest of PONT-a-MOUSSON 
on the east, passing through the forest in a southwest- 
erly direction, to a point on the PONT-a-MOUSSON- 
THIAUCOURT road between REGNIEVILLE and 
FEY-en-HAYE on the west, is the 90th Division. 
(National Army troops of Texas and Oklahoma. 
Major General Henry T. Allen, Regular Army, of 
Kentucky, commanding. For regiments and other 
units, see page 579.) 

Texans and Oklahomans Leap into Attack 

With the difficult task of maintaining constant touch 
with the hinge, — in fact, forming almost a part of it 
with their right flank and of fighting and driving the 
enemy out of strong positions upon their whole front, — 
the Texas and Oklahoma troops leap into the attack 
the instant the barrage rolls on ahead of them at 
5 o'clock in the .morning. Inured to the life of the 
Western Plains, their hardy spirits have in no whit 
been dampened by a night of rain in the trenches, 
and it is with almost wild enthusiasm, inspired by a 
sudden release of restrained impatience, that they 
charge forward to try conclusions with the enemy m 
their first battle, 

12 



178 ST. MIHIEL SAUfiNT 



Division Overruns Everything Before It 

While the Germans, shaken by the intensity of the 
artillery bombardment, surrender or submit tamely 
to capture in great numbers, many of them still remain, 
especially in well protected machine gun positions, to 
test the mettle of the Texans and Oklahomans as they 
assail the enemy lines. Stiff little actions occur here 
and there at points where our artillery fire has failed 
to destroy wire entanglements, but in these the enemy 
is soon worsted, and, as daylight breaks, the division 
makes a splendid advance through the devastated and 
shell-shattered forest, overruning networks of trenches, 
plunging into and out of deep ravines, driving the 
enemy always before it. 

Semi-Circular Swing Toward North 

Holding in more or less with the right flank at the 
point of contact with the hinge division, the advance 
of the remainder of the divisional front gradually 
becomes a semi-circular swing toward the north, with 
the left flank sweeping over the hills north of REGNIE- 
VILLE into the FORET des VENCHERES, in unison 
with the divisions carrying tbe Southern Gate forward 
on the west. 

Difficult Movement Well Regulated 

In addition to brushing aside and overcoming 
resistance where and whenever encountered, the divi- 
sion is compelled to regulate its forward movement 
to accord in nicety with a delicate and difficult maneu- 
ver, but nevertheless reaches and gains the objectives 
of the first day at 4 o*clock in the afternoon, in time for 
the unit on the left flank to participate and aid in 
the repulse of the counter-attack launched against 
VIEVILLE by reinforcements brought forward by 



90th division 179 



the Germans from the north of the Salient in an effort 
to stem our advance. 

Advance Continues 

Desperate though the attempt is, the enemy fails 
to impose more than a temporary delay upon our 
forces, and the Texas and Oklahoma troops continue 
their progress northward so that, as the two Gates 
swing together, sweep forward and "pinch out" the 
Salient, the division establishes its front upon an 
irregular line running south-eastward from a point 
on the road less than a mile north of VIEVILLE on 
the left, through the FORET des VENCHERES and 
the FORET du BOIS le PRETRE. to MONTRACH- 
ARD on the right. 

Progress in Center Slow and Difficult 

In the operations upon the following day (Sep- 
tember 1 3th), as the lines farther to the west upon the 
First Army front work forward in pursuit of the 
enemy toward the Michel Position, the 90th Division 
advances its left flank through the FORET des VEN- 
CHERES and its right flank through the FORET 
du BOIS le PRETRE toward NORROY, but in the 
center progress proves difficult and slow, especially 
through the BOIS de PRESLE, a woods over a mile 
in depth, lying between and to the south of VILCEY- 
sur-TREY and VILLERS-sous-PRENY. 

Reinforcements rushed down from the north to 
fcheck our advance, holding the woods in considerable 
force, with machine guns in well protected and skill- 
fully concealed positions, offer desperate resistance, 
resulting in some stiff fighting for the Texas and 
Oklahoma troops. While VILCEY is captured and 
the lines of the division sweep northward on both 
flanks, the woods themselves remain in the enemy's 



180 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



hands, constituting a sharp minor salient into the center 
of the divisional front as darkness comes on. 
Resisting Desperately, Enemy Finally Retires 

Flanked though they are on both sides, the Germans 
persist in desperate resistance in the BOIS de PRESLE 
as the advance is resumed in the morning (September 
14th). While the left of the division sweeps forward 
out of the FORET des VENCHERES into the BOIS 
des RAPPES in unison with other units to the west 
and the right, though holding fast with its extreme 
flank just northwest of NORROY, advances anc 
captures VILLERS, the center is compelled to battl 
its way forward against heavy opposition. Gradually 
overcome and driven from the woods, the German 
retire fighting across the VILCEY-VILLERS road 
but still maintain their wedge-like formation so that 
as darkness brings the lines to a halt with both flanks 
considerably in advance, the center is again in a salient 
upon the southern fringes of BOIS de VILLERS, 
projecting southward into the divisional front. 

Spirited Advance Sweeps Enemy Before It 
In a spirited advance the following day (September 
15th) the division sweeps the resisting enemy out of 
the BOIS de VILLERS, bringing its front forward 
upon a straight line running east and west through 
the BOIS des RAPPES on the north, while upon the 
next day (September 16th), reversing the previous 
situation, the division drives a blunt salient of its 
own into the enemy's territory, establishing its front 
along the northern fringes of the BOIS des RAPPES, 
with the left flank resting at a point on the THIAU- 
COURT-PRENY road, almost a mile in advance of 
the remainder of the army front to the west, and its 
right flank anchored solidly upon the formidable 
HILL 327. just northwest of VANDIERES. 



5th division 181 



Gains Consolidated 

In this position the division consoliclates its gains, 
finally extending its right flank from HILL 327 east- 
ward across the PONT-a-MOUSSON-MFTZ high- 
way, north of VANDIERES, down to the MOSELLE 
at PORT HALLE, establishing at that point the 
eastern flank of the First Army as the reduction of 
the ST. MIHIEL SALIENT is brought to a close 
(September 1 8th). 

Results Achieved 

In its first great battle the 99th Division has contri- 
buted largely to the brilliant results achieved by our 
forces in their first independent operation, gaining 
m six davs* fighting an enviable record of which the 
men of Texas and Oklahoma have everv reason to be 
proud. In addition to carrying out its delicate mission 
next to the rie:ht flank of the advance, the division 
has captured 900 prisoners, 9 pieces of artillery, and 
46 machine guns, sustaining total casualties of 18 offi- 
cers and 506 men killed, 173 officers and 4,585 men 
wounded, and 7 officers and 196 men temporarily 
missing. 

5th DIVISION 

In position as one of the two battle units forming 
the left wing of the 1st American Corps upon the 
Southern Face of the Salient is the 5th American 
Division. (Regular troops. Maior General John 
E. McMahon, Regular Army, of New York, command- 
ing. ^ For regiments and other units composing the 
division, see page 579.) 

Fattlefront of Division 

With REGNIEVILLE-en-HAYE at the exact center 
of its front, with the right flank resting on the THIAU- 
COURT-PONT-a-MOUSSON road five-eighths of 



ii82 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



a mile to the southeast and the left flank upon a hill j 
a mile to the southwest, near REMENAUVILLE, 
the division holds a semi -circular line, facing almost 
directly north, with the 90th Division on the right and 
the 2nd Division on the left. 

Positions Held by Enemy 

In the immediate front, the enemy holds an encir- 
cling cluster of woodlands, BOIS des RAPPES and 
BOIS CLAUDE on the right, BOIS des SANDES 
in the center and BOIS du FOUR on the left, with 
VIEVILLE, the first objective of the division, lyinj 
beyond the forests directly north two and a half mile 
away. 

Division Plunges into Battle 

With confidence in themselves, gained in minor 
conflicts with the enemy during several months (Jun 
14th-August 23rd, 1918) in a sector of the Vosges 
Mountains, the Regulars of the 5th Division, after 
night of impatience in rain-soaked trenches, sprin 
forth at *'Zero Hour" and plunge into their first great 
battle against the Germans as the rolling barrage, 
dropping shells at regular intervals before them, leads 
them on in the darkness preceding dawn toward the 
enemy lines in their front. 

Advancing in Unison with Adjoining Divisions 

With a sector running practically due north, the 
battle lines quickly adjust themselves to the regular! 
and methodical advance necessary in order to enable 
the division to carry forward its part of the Southern 
Gate in unison with the divisions to the right and left. 
While progress is slow at first, the forward movement 
gathers impetus as day breaks. Sweeping over the 
rolling uplands in the center and through the dense 
woodlands on the flanks, the attacking forces soon 



5th division 183 



assail and storm the enemy's forward system, many 
of whose defenders, shaken by four hours of Intense 
artillery fire and surprised by the suddenness of the 
Infantry assault, surrender or submit docilely to capture. 

Overcosning All Resistance, Division 
Reaches Objective 

Some stiff resistance is, however, encountered as 
the advance proceeds, especially from hidden and 
protected machine gun nests, tucked away in the 
ravines or concealed in dense thickets, but these, while 
inflicting losses in our ranks, are suppressed or captured, 
and the division continues its forward movement 
with great rapidity, reaching its objective at 10 o'clock, 
capturing VIEVILLE-en-HAYE shortly thereafter. 

Enemy Counter-Attacks, but Is Repulsed 

In the afternoon, while the gains of the division 
are being consolidated, enemy reinforcements, brought 
forward from the north, strongly supported by artillery 
fire, launch a counter-attack against VIEVILLE, but 
this is repulsed by the men of the 10th Brigade, aided 
by the flanking units of the 90th Division on the right. 

Advance Resumed 

With the enemy driven back in defeat, the advance 
of the 5th Division, having suffered only a temporary 
delay, is soon resumed, changing immediately toward 
the northeast, being continued in that direction until 
it becomes necessary to halt as our forces to the left 
swing toward the meeting point of the two Gates north 
of VIGNEULLES. 

Division Stops 

With the right flank resting on a hill less than a mile 
northeast of VIEVILLE and the left flank, considerably 
advanced, resting on a wooded spur of the BOIS de 



184 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



GRANDE FONTAINE about a mile northeast of 
JAULNY, the division holds its position throughout 
the night and the next day (September 13th). 

Moving Forward Again 

During the following three or four days, the division 
moves forward for short distances only, first advancing 
the right flank, then left flank, conforming, in each 
instance, to the movements of flanking units. Finally, 
as the^ battlelines of the First Army approach the 
enemy's Michel Position, the division makes its last 
advance, moving into position upon the southern 
edges of the BOIS de GRANDE FONTAINE, with 
the right flank astride the THIAUCOURT-PRENY 
road near SOULEUVRE FARM and the left flank 
holding the crest of HILL 306 northeast of REM- 
BERCOURT (September 1 7th). 

Casualties 

Losses, while light in the beginning of the advance, 
have increased progressively as ground to the north 
is gained, becoming heavy, especially from intense 
shell fire, as the division comes within range of the 
enemy's artillery in the last advance toward the Michel 
Position. While strengthening its lines here the 
division sustains its heaviest casualties, bringing the 
losses up to a total of 1 1 officers and 249 men killed, 40 
officers and 1,142 men wounded, and 1 officer and 
.120 men temporarily missing. 

Achievement 

From these casualties the sanguinary and violent 
character of the battle in which the division has been 
engaged may be divined, but in addition to capturing 
1 ,243 prisoners, including 32 officers, the division has, 
in turn, exacted an eqiial, if not heavier, toll of the 
enemy. In materiel, the division is credited with 



2nd DivisiON 185 



the capture of no less than 49 pieces of artillery and 
125 machine guns. 

In its first battle, therefore, the 5th Division has 
not only given a good account of itself, but added 
greatly to the fighting prestige of the Regular Army man. 
2nd DIVISION 

With a reputation for brilliant battle exploit and 
swift achievement, first gained at Belleau Wotods 
and Vaux and added to later in the famous counter- 
thrust with which Marshal Foch snatched the initiative 
from German hands in the Marne Salient, prepared 
to meet the enemy once more as the left flank battle 
unit of the 1st Corps upon the Southern Face, is the 
2nd American Division. (Major General John A. Le- 
jeune. Marine Corps, of Louisiana, now in command. 
For regiments and other units composing the division, 
see Appendix). 

Calm Before the Storm 

Facing the enemy on a front of two miles, with the 
right flank of the division at a point five hundred 
yards northeast of Remenauville and the left 
flank on the heights about a mile north of Limey, the 
battle-experienced infantrymen and Marines of the 
3rd and 4th Brigades await "Zero Hour" v;ith the 
calmness and patience of veterans. 

It is an old story to them now, — this calm before 
the storm. Skilled in the game of war by over three 
months of almost constant conflict, familiar with 
every move, trick and subterfuge to which the enemy 
is likely to resort, confident of themselves, sure of 
their ability to outwit and outfight the enemy at every 
turn, and, moreover, certain of the enemy's fear of 
them as a result of repeated defeats at their hands, the 
forthcoming battle presents to them no novelty, no 
problem, no doubts. * 



186 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



Mission 

In the sum-total of results to be accomplished, — 
in addition to playing their part in the closing of the 
Southern Gate, — the veterans of the 2nd Division 
are given the important mission of capturing THIAU- 
COURT, the enemy *s principal supply and railway 
center in the Salient. Lest the enemy, still in pos- 
session of the railroads to the north, escape with much 
important and valuable materiel, it is a task to be 
promptly and exactly executed. 

It means a quick penetration of the enemy *s front 
and a rapid advance over a territory of rolling hills 
and woodland, intersected by successive lines of 
defense and a network of roads, by-paths and ravines, 
to reach the objective, in the valley of the Rupt de 
Mad, six miles away to the northwest. 

Leaping Forward into "No Man*s Land" 

Determined to prevent the enemy's escape from 
THIAUCOURT, and thereby to increase their 
prestige and add to their laurels, the "Doughboys'* 
and Marines, after a wet and cold night in the trenches, 
leap forward into the darkness of "No Man's Land" 
the instant the rolling barrage brings down its pro- 
tecting curtain of shells at 5 o'clock in the morning. 

Advance Is Rapid 

Rapid progress is made in spite of the darkness 
and the advancing Imes move steadily forward over 
the open uplands, in close touch with the 5th Division 
on the right and the 89th Division on the left. It is 
less ^han a mile to the enemy's forward trench system. 
Within half an hour this distance is covered and with 
a rush through, over and under the shell-shattered 
wire entanglements protecting the trenches, the men 
of the 2nd Division swoop down upon the enemy as 



2nd division 187 



daylight breaks. Leaving surprised and bewildered 
Germans to be handled by the supports following 
behind, the leading battalions press forward, and 
plunging through the thickets of the BOIS d'EUVE- 
ZIN, soon reach the enemy's second line of defense 
north of the woods. 

No Match for Veterans of 2nd Division 

Determined resistance is offered by the defenders 
in their efforts to stop the thrust for THIAUCOURT, 
and though they have all the advantage of position 
and are aided by well placed and skillfully concealed 
machine guns which sweep our attacking lines, they 
are no match for the veterans of the 2nd Division. 

It is a desperate and sanguinary encounter, but our 
troops, with the experience gained in many a more 
bitter and violent conflict, gradually conquer their 
foes whom they kill, capture or drive off in defeat. 

Our Men Take Great Prize 

With the prize of THIAUCOURT still before 
them, spurring them on, the leading battalions of the 
3rd Brigade (9th and 23rd U.S. Infantry) continue 
their rapid advance toward their important objective. 
Reaching the eastern heights of the RUPT de MAD, 
a spirited attack upon THIAUCOURT is launched, 
and while the Germans resist, their defense is spas- 
modic and disorganized. It fails to hold back our 
attacking troops, and the town is captured before 
noon, together with 3,000 prisoners, including 74 offi- 
cers, 92 pieces of artillery loaded on cars ready to be 
hauled away, a complete hospital train, a trainload 
of ammunition and 51 other standard-gauge cars' 
numerous lumber yards and depots of materiel, 
including hundreds of rifles, machine guns, tons of 
wire, tools and other supplies, — constituting probably 



188 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 

the greatest individual prize ever taken from the 
enemy by one brigade during the war. 

Enemy Counter-Attacks 

Realizing their loss only too late, but still determined 
upon an effort to regain the town, the Germans launch 
a counter-attack upon THIAUCOURT in the after- 
noon, but some such move has been anticipated. 
It is a desperate attempt, made by German reinfor- 
cements tardily brought forward from the north, and 
results in a sanguinary struggle in which the 3rd 
Brigade, while suffering heavy losses (5 officers and 
81 men killed and 9 officers and 274 men wounded), 
finally overcomes and defeats the enemy. 

Our Lines Carried Still Farther Forward 

In repulsing the counter-attack and driving the 
Germans back, JAULNY is captured, and the lines 
are carried forward toward the northwest on both 
flanks of the RUPT de MAD, being established by 
nightfall on a front of two or more m.iles, with the 

THIAUCOURT-REMBERCOURT road in the 
center,^ the right^ flank on a wooded spur of the 
BOIS de GRANDE FONTAINE a mile northeast of 
JAULNY, and the left flank resting upon the road 
halfway between THIAUCOURT and XAMMES, a 
mile to the northwest. 

Division Stops ; Then Advances Again 
While the divisions to the left, with greater distances 
to travel increasing in each sector toward the extreme 
left flank, are engaged in bringing forward the outer 
edges of the Southern Gate, the 2nd Division holds its 
ground, remaining in position during the following 
two days (September 13th- 14th), but as the two Gates 
meet and sweep forward toward the Michel Position, 
the advance is resumed and continued until the evening 



89th division 189 



^i September 1 5th, when the divisional front is estab- 
lished with the left flank sweeping around the north- 
ern fringes of the BOIS de LA MONTAGNE to the 
XAMMES-CHAREY road and the right flank resting 
upon HILL 306, just southeast of REMBERCOURT 
Division Relieved 

In this position the division is relieved upon the 
following day (September 16th) by the 78th Division, 
brought forward from the reserve of the 1st Corps 
to hold the sector while the army front is being sta- 
bilized^ 

Results Achieved 

Withdrawn to the rear for a period of rest and 
recuperation preparatory to further operations against 
the enemy, the 2nd Division has added greatly to its 
laurels, proved itself once more superior to any of the 
enemy's battle units, and contributed immeasurably 
to the brilliant success of the I st Army in the reduction 
of the St. Mihiei Salient. 

In the total results, the division has taken 3,336 pris- 
oners, including 82 officers, 121 pieces of heavy and 
light artillery, 122 machine guns, over 1,000 rifles, 
together with other valuable booty in Thiaucourt. 
Losses aggregate 9 officers and 186 men killed, 
34 officers and 1,030 men wounded, and 292 men 
temporarily missing. 

89th DIVISION 

In position as one of the three front line divisions 
of the 4th Corps upon the Southern Face of the Salient 
is the 89th Division. (National Army troops of the 
Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota 
New Mexico, and Nebraska. Major General William 
M. Wright, Regular Army, of New Jersey, comman- 
ding.^^ For regiments and other units composing the 
division, see page 579.) 



190 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 

Battlefront 

Paralleling the St. Mihiel-Pont-a-Mousson road 
at distances varying from one-half to three- 
quarters of a mile, the division holds a front of about 
three miles, with the right flank in touch with the 
2nd Division on the heights north of Limey and the 
left flank in haison with the 42nd ("Rainbow*') Division 
on the hills about a mile northwest of Flirey. 
Looking Forward To Their First Great Battle 

Familiar with every foot of the ground between 
them and the enemy as a result of raids and patrols 
in "No Man's Land" during a month's occupancy 
of the sector, the troops of the Middle West, glad 
of a change from the humdrum routine of trench 
warfare, look forward with enthusiasm to their first 
great battle. "Zero Hour" seems an age in coming. 
Impatience is difficult to repress, even by such superbly 
trained troops as the men of the 89th. 

"Over the Top" 

When the artillery bombardment, which has caved 
in the trenches and blasted the wire entanglements 
at which they have gazed for a month, finally gives 
way to the rolling barrage at 5 a.m., the Middle Wes- 
terners break " Over the top " like prisoners suddenly 
liberated, soon putting into actual effect against the 
enemy tactics and maneuvers learned in practice 
attacks and sham battles upon the rolling plains of 
Camp Funston, under General Leonard Wood. 

All Resistance Overcome 

First to strike the Germans are the units on the left 
flank, — having had a shorter distance to go, — but as 
day breaks, the whole divisional line is swept against, 
over and beyond the enemy's forward trenches. 
Resistance is, of course, met with from those of the 



89th division 191 



defenders who have survived the artillery bombard- 
ment, but this is overcome in sharp conflicts in which 
the Germans are either put out of action or captured. 

Forging Onward Toward Enemy's Second Line 

Flanked as they are by the war-experienced veterans 
of the Marne Salient, — by the ** Doughboys" and 
Marines of the 2nd Division on the right and the 
** Rainbows" of the 42nd Division on the left, — the 
Middle Westerners are travelling in aristocratic battle- 
company, but they prove equal, — indeed, superior, — 
to all the difficulties and problems encountered as 
they forge onward toward the enemy *s second line 
in front of ESSEY-et-MAIZERAIS and EUVEZIN. 

With the Fliry-Pannes road running through the 
center of its advance, the division sweeps through 
the BOIS de MORT MARE, brushing aside all 
opposition, overcoming stubborn machine gun nests 
and capturing prisoners on the way. 

We Carry Second German Line 

Increasmg artillery fire from German positions to 
the north and intense machine gun fusillades poured 
mto them as they emerge upon the northern fringes 
of the woods warn our troops of impending opposition, 
but undaunted and having gained their stride they 
assail the enemy with irresistible force, carry the second 
German line, and capture EUVEZIN as well. 

Advance Continued 

With only a temporary delay the advance is continued 
and, changing now toward the north in unison with a 
similar movement by the divisions on the left as the 
Southern Gate swings forward on the western arc of 
the circle, soon bears down upon BOUILLON VI LLE, 
which the Middle Western troops capture with ease. 
Pressing forward again, along the western heights of 



92 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



the RUPT de MAD, the division establishes its front 
by nightfall with the right flank just west of THIAU- 
COUk'l and the left just east of BENEY. 

In the advance the following day (September 13th) 
the division moves forward in the face of stiff opposition, 
especially artillery fire, capturing BENEY and 
XAMMES, establishing its lines for the night with 
the right flank at XAMMES and the left flank in the 
middle of the BOIS de DAMPVITOUX. 

When, as the Southern and Western Gates, having 
met and closed, move northward toward the Michel 
Position, the division advances its right flank over 
the hills a mile or more northward of XAMMES and 
its left flank to the northern fringes of the BOIS d(. 
XAMMES-CHAREY road as the reduction of the 
Salient is finished (September 16th). 

Achievements 

In four days the 89th Division has demonstrated 
the value of sound training and earned for itself the 
distinction of being a first-class battle unit, destined 
to push older and more experienced divisions hard 
for their laurels. 

With a loss of 1 4 officers and 1 77 men killed, 42 offi- 
cers and 892 men wounded, and 69 men temporarily 
missing, the Middle Western troops have more than 
squared accounts with the enemy by taking a total of 
2,287 prisoners, including 78 officers, and capturing 
72 pieces of artillery and 95 machine guns. 

Division Remains and Holds Sector 

Retained as one of the divisions of the 4th Corps 
while the new American front is being stabilized, the 
89th Division remains holding its sector until October 
7th when it is withdrawn for further action against 
the enemy in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 



42nii division \^)} 

42nd DIVISION 

Fonniiig tfu; center of the 4th Corps upon tfio 
Southern Face of the Salient, wltli tlu; 89th Division 
on the rii?ht and the 1st Division on lint left, are the 
battle-experienced veterans of the famous 42n(l Amer- 
ican (" Rainl)ow") Division. (National Giiard troops 
of th(; District of Columbia and 26States,~ Alabama, 
California, Colorado, C(;ori(ia, Illinois, Iow«i, Indiana, 
Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michitjan Minnesota, 
Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North 
Carolina, Ofiio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, 
South Carolina, Tennessee, iexas, Virginia, 
Wisconsin. Major General Charles i. Mcnohcir, 
Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding, bor 
regiments and other units composing the division, 
see page 579.) 

Front Held 

In position north of the St. Mihiel -Pont-a- 
Mousson road, the division holds a front of two 
miles, cutting througfi the north(;rn apex of thci little 
Bois du jury, with the right flank upon tfie hills 
northwest of Plirey and the left flank in the town 
of Seicheprcy. 

Looking Forward Calmly To Conflict 

From the battlehelds of the Champagne and the 
Marne Salient, the " RainlK>ws " have f)rought 
a world of knowledge and experience lo the work cut 
out for them in the reduction of the St. Mihicl 
Salient, and, with confidence in themselves and 
contempt for the enemy, they look forward calmly and 
stoically to the forthcoming conflict. 

Whatever phase the battle may assume or twist or 
turn it may develop, it will be nothing new or strange 
to them ; nothing that they fiave not met and overcome 

\i 



194 ST. MiHlEL SALIENT 

befoie or that their experience will not enable them 
to overcome again. 

Their Task 
It is an advance of ten or tw^elve miles due northward, 
to their final objective in front of the Michel Position, 
that lies before them, with many of the intervening 
points,— hills, woodlands, and ravines; river, road' 
and railway crossings, towns and villages, — held by 
the enemy, all to be conquered and seized upon sched- 
ule time to prevent the escape of German forces ! 
from the apex of the Salient northeastward. 
Waiting for " Zero Hour " 
Keenly realizing the importance of their mission j 
and appreciating the part they are to play in the closing' 
of the Southern Gate, they wait through a long night 
for the commencement of battle until the rolling 
barrage, coming down in front of their wet trenches, 
ushers in " Zero Hour ',— the signal that galvanizes 
the whole battlefront of the division into instant 
action, carrying it " Over the top" into " No Man's 
Land*' and across the intervening ground for an attack 
upon the enemy's forward trenches as daylight comes 
on. 

Enemy Quickly Overcome 

Still dazed by the crushing intensity of the artillery 
bombardment and bewildered by the sudden attack 
launched upon them at dawn so close upon the heels ^ 
df the barrage which has just rolled over them, the 
Germans are incapable of organized resistance and, 
as elsewhere along the battlefront, are quickly overcome 
or forced to surrender. 

In the first clash, the struggle is, therefore, a brief 
and decisive one in which the enemy's first line along 
the FLIREY^ST. BAUSSANT road is captured upon 
schedule time, being left behind for the supports to 



42nd division 195 



nop up as the leading echelons of the division press 
lorthward toward the enemy's second line in front of 
£SSEY.et-MAIZERAIS on the east bank of the RUPT 
ieMAD. 

Resistance upon this line is better organized and 
more determined, being inspired, probably, by a hope 
of keeping open avenues of escape for German forces 
retreating before the French from ST. MIHIEL, but 
it proves futile against the irresistible dash with which 
the "Rainbow* troops storm and carry the enemy 
defenses. 

Advance Continues 

Immediately afterwards ESSEY-et-MAIZERAIS is 
captured, and, crossing the bend of the Thiaucourt 
railway on the right flank and the Rupt de Mad on the 
left and in the center, the division continues its almost 
breathless northward progress over the hills toward 
PANNES, which is wrested from the enemy by 2 o'clock 
in the afternoon as the 1 st Division seizes NONSARD 
a few miles to the west. 

, Sweeping forward again,the "Rainbows" drive straight 

ahead, overcoming all obstacles, natural or artificial, 

and, as our troops farther to the east repulse German 

counter-attacks against THIAUCOURT and YIE» 

\^ILLEren-HAYE, establish their lines by evening upon 

a front of two and a half miles north of the little river 

de la Tuilerie, just within the southern edges of the 

BOIS de THIAUCOURT,--west of the Pannes^Beney 

road, — with the right flank about five hundred yards 

south of BENEY, in liaison with the 89th Division, 

and the left flank about eight hundred yards north of 

LAMARCHE, in touch with the 1st Division. 

Enemy's Tardy Reinforcements 

With escape from Heudicourt eastward cut off, the 

nemy brings up tardy reinforcements in an effort to 



Inyond in 
< IK iiiy's 



:;wnriii:) 



l'^(» M. MmiCf. .'iAI.HNI 

keep llie <r()HHrf)«<lH of Sh Henoil lo llic norlli <>\kh h. 
a IttWl lllH' of rrlrr/il. || t:, loo l.ilr, liowrvrr, .'iiid, iJ- 
[\\i'. h;l I)iviiioM f»o llic. Nil, (Idniijj; llir early inormnv; 
lio(ir:.(S«|)lriiilnr I illi), drive:, lorw.ird n liii.il ■,|>e,»r li< vi»l 
low^ril Vijj;ii<"iille!> lo elo:;*- llie Soiillierii ^ i.il< , iIm- 
"K.'imhnw l)iviMi<ui, lorf/iiijj; rvipHlly nlnn<l lliroiijjjli 

iIm r,()is cie iiiiAiiconki ^nd ii.( liois do 

!»< liey, •,lril;<'. oul (»v< r llie <»|>eii llpl.'ilid;, 
iIm I.I.I )»li,i.< ol il . .idvaiK e toward iIk 
Mk liel roilion. 

W<' IVIalur Swiff Prof<rc»« 

Swill proj-^re!.:. iiorlliward i:. made .iiid, 
ol Allied Itallle plane;, :;wo()p down iroin iIk* air Willi 
iiWK lime ^iiii:; and j/r<nade:., aiifl lanl . .r. ..ill llie <:iiC'- 
inyK relnaliiif; loree;. iip(»n all iIm- road:,, llie "kain- 
l>ow:>, laiiiM nini-'; a :,piriled alla< k, eapliir<' llie lown, , 
eiiahaii an<l < i(>:.'.road:', ol SI . I>I',N()I I, r<:,iilliiig in i 
cullmjj; oil ( lermaii <leiiM nl . .< el<mj< lo e:i< ajxt Iroin i 
our column', al Vi]Mieiille:; and I lal Ion ville on llie wcsl.. 

( .oiilinnmij; iIm' advan< <•, llie divr.ion :iweeps on i 
hryoiid Si. I'eiioil lor a di;, lance ol almost two miles,, 
driving iIk lineH lorward hy evenin}< nilo a Mnnt :;alienl ij 
iip(»ii a Iront of tlirt-e miles, willi tlie ri}/lil Hank 
a',tri<le tlie St. ImiioiI I )ampvito(ix r(»a<l :;oiilli ol 
llaiimonl and llie l<*ll ll/iiik < rossiiij/ lli<- Si . I 'eiioil" 
Woc"l road into iIk «M.I<rii ed|j;es ol llie Ih>i:> <Ic^ 
kay:i, <ll«-< hially slintlin}.'; oil any ea;ilwar<l retre/it oil 
iIk- <ii<iny'!i seallered haltnlioiKS UH llu; Lwu Culcb swmgj 
log(*llier at ll/illoiieliatel. 

CoiiHolicliiliiiK Our Gains f 

In tlie opeiations dining tlw imxI lonr <lay;i (S<p«" 
lemltei I'ltli iHlli) llie divi:>ion <<)ii;;olidal<*s il:> ramS^I 
eslahli'.liiiiK ■''< line:. :.oli(lly in llie po:^ilioii liall en< if 
C.lnij.': llw :.oiilli-eaKl('rn rcatlx' . ol Lake I .a< lianss(!Ci( 
UH llic )<-<lii< lion i>\ Ine .Salient i:^ lini Ik d. 



1st division I '^7 



niviKion Withdrawn 

Willi'- iIm- .'irniy Iroiil r, l»*iiii/ :.l«il>ili/« d \n\tnr llic 
fn< Miy . Mk ImI l*(>'.ifioii, llir (livi:.i'Hi, ti'\ittuf'<\ iv, ofir 
ol ill* (inil!i (*l flu- 4lli (lofpH, roinairi^. lioMmt/ il:i nrw 
',»(1(»f, l>»-jiif/ finally willi'lf/iwn '.irly in O* (olx r lor 
p.'iriM i|)alion in iIm- dual '.laiM , ol iIm |, iViMr;*- 
Afj/nniM- «<flrn'.iv« . 

Ac hi«5V«Mri«iril 

Willi n r<inarl<al)ly rapid adv/UKr wlii< li < (tt\({\U'rr(\ 
fw<lv inilr", ol fncniy Irrnlory wifliin flif (ir!;f Iwn 
fl/iy:; ol iIk- opcralion and llir- « aplnrr (»l V8'> pmoncrH, 
inclurlinK ^ ofli< ( r., JJ)U hwk Iiiik- {<""'•. '•'"' -^^ pieces 
of arlillrry, llif "Rainhow" l)ivrwr)n \\iv. j/rcafly 
fnliaiH » d il', hnlliani rcpnialion a-, a hallN- nnif, ronlri - 
l)iifini/ nijirnally If) lli«- wondrrlnl a' liMvcfnrnI". ol 
llir In. I Army. 

(I^( ord r»l lo, ',(•'. in llii'. a<lion fi<»l availaMr.) 

IrI DivisroN 

!^(dr( Ir.d l(>r lln i/io.l nnpfirlanl individual LallN- 
niK/jon iif>r>n llic Sonllwrn la<f of tlif- Salnril, in 
[)0!.ilion on llif: rxfrcnif Nil flank of llir- 4ll) ^ orj),. r, 
our fanioir; Lalllfvlrif^d I.I I )/vr;ion (f^cf/iilar lr(»f>j)«. 
Major <^i*rif ral Cfiarlr''. P. Snniin<rall, l^<-t/«ilar Army, 
of I'londa. ' ommanflin^. I'or rrj/imrnh'. and olli»r 
iinil", ( om()0'.inj/ llif divi'won, .'•'• f»aj/r ')1^).) 

laKk AHHJK'Hrd DiviKioii 

In ill*- [*ro((:';M of *'j)in( liinj/ fiiil" llif SHlirnl, if im 
llu- tar.k of llif diviKiori to (arry forward \\w. y\iv'.\ri\\ 
or u\i\ci (<\%n- of flir Sr>nfl)rrn ( \i\\i vvifli a nwifl <lnv 
fiorlliwarrl tf>warfl VK «Nl'-( il ,1 .l-S in nni.on wifli a 
s^irnilar mannivr l>y onr trof>i*'. from llif Wr.lorn 
I' arc. MO \\m\ ll»f: rvXrcnV c>f Cii^rman forrrr^ Ix'forr \\u' 
Irrrirli norfli-frtwfward frf)m fl»r nov.f of llif S/illriit 



198 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



at St. Mihiel may be cut off. It is really upon the 
perfect execution of this maneuver that the success 
of the St. Mihiel operation depends, but however 
difficult the task may be, it is welcomed by the war- 
experienced Regulars of the I st Division as an oppor- 
tunity of proving themselves superior to all obstacles 
the enemy may put in their way and of being worthy 
of the confidence and trust reposed in them by the 
Commander-in-Chief. 

Awaiting Hour] of Battle 

Imbued with an esprit de corps born of successive 
victories over the best of the Kaiser's legions, particu- 
larly in the battle of Cantigny and in Marshal Foch*s 
great counter-thrust in the Marne Salient, they await 
the hour of battle throughout the night with that quiet 
stoicism which is an intermingling of suppressed expec- 
tancy and calm confidence so characteristic of battle- 
tried soldiers. 

With a drive of ten or twelve miles straight northward 
before them, over three lines of enemy defenses, in 
order to close the Southern Gate, the leading battalions 
of the division are in positions of readiness upon a front 
of two miles, with the right flank at Seicheprey, 
one mile north of the St. Mihiel-Pont-a-Mousson 
road, in touch with the "Rainbow" Division, and the 
left flank astride the Bouconville-Xivray road just 
northeast of Xivray, in liaison with the 39th French 
Division. 

Advance Begins 

Realizing the importance of their mission and keenly 
appreciating how much depends upon its successful 
execution, the victors of Cantigny plunge into the 
darkness enshrouding their soggy trenches as "Zero 
Hour** strikes and, quickly falling into the methodical 
stride imparted to their advance by experience, move 



1st division 199 

steadily forward behind the rolling barrage as it wings 
its way toward the enemy's first line, which is assailed 
at daybreak. 

Enemy Succumbs 

Demoralized by the artillery bombardment and 
surprised by the suddenness of the attack, the Germans 
are incapable of a successful rally to the defense of their 
positions. RICHECOURT and LAHAYVILLE are 
captured and the line is quickly carried and soon left 
behind by our troops as they sweep past MONT SEC 
in a forceful and spirited advance toward the enemy's 
second line, — which is held in greater force, especially 
in the little woods of QUART de RESERVE, a mile 
northwest of LAHAYVILLE. 

Sanguinary Struggle 

In this little woodland, violent and desperate resis- 
tance results in a sanguinai"y struggle, with the oppos- 
ing forces surging back and forth among the trees in 
deadly conflict, but by resourcefulness and ingenuity 
born of similar experiences our troops soon gain the 
upper hand and, though sustaining a loss of several 
hundred casualties in the fight, finally overcome the 
Germans, killing and capturing many and driving the 
others back in defeat through the woods to the north. 

Advance Resumed 

With but a temporary delay, the division resumes 
the forward movement and, after a swift advance of 
two miles over the hills, assails the enemy's third and 
last line, which, together with the village of NONSARD, 
is captured in a spirited attack by 2 o'clock in the 
afternoon. 

Enemy Reinforcements Hurled Back 

Meanwhile, the Germans, harassed and delayed by 
the attacks of the French frorn the nose of the Salient 



200 ST, MIHIEL SALIENT 



eastward and alarmed by rapid penetration of our 
columns from the south and northwest toward their 
line of retreat through Heudicourt and Vigneulles 
in the direction of St. Benoit, — in fact, now threat- 
ened upon all sides, — bring forward reinforcements 
of scattered reserve battalions and companies, but 
these are hurled back everywhere as our troops, 
supported by tanks and cavalry detachments operat- 
ing upon the roads, continue their advance throughout 
the afternoon. 

Our Progress Continues 

Increasing shell fire and occasional attacks from 
hidden machine gun positions inflict losses among our 
troops, but swift progress is nevertheless made and 
by evening the front lines of the 1st Division are 
established well forward in the BOIS de NONSARD, 
astride the NONSARD-VIGNEULLES road, in touch 
with the "Rainbow" Division on the right and m 
liaison with the French on the left. 

Cutting Off Last Avenue of Escape 

While the escape of German forces eastward 
through Heudicourt is thus cut ofl, a line of 
retreat farther to the north through Vigneulles is, 
however, still open. With the enemy now thoroughly 
aroused to his danger, seeking desperately to avoid 
impending capture, the gap must be closed before 
morning lest it be too late, and a spearpoint drive 
toward Vigneulles is therefore launched during the 
night by the 1st Division in conjunction with a 
similar drive by our troops from the northwest. 

Closing the Gates 

For this important final thrust, designed to close 
the Southern Gate in unison with the Western Gate, 
the 1 St Brigade (1 6th and 1 8th U,S. Infantry) is selected. 



1st di vision 201 

Sending forward advance detachments and patrols, the 
brigade immediately strikes out north -westward through 
the BOIS de NONSARD into the BOIS de VIGNEUL- 
LES. Inspired by a desire to reach the goal first, the 
brigade makes rapid progress in spite of the impeding 
darkness. When the open uplands northwest of the 
BOIS de VIGNEULLES are gained toward morning 
(September 1 3th) the advance becomes a race. Friend- 
ly rivalry imparts speed and driving force to the thrusts 
from both directions. In a final spurt over the hills 
toward the meeting place of the two Gates, some patrols 
of the brigade penetrate into the outskirts of VIG- 
NEULLES, in the plain, at 3.15 a.m., while others 
reach HATTONCHATTEL, on the heights just 
northward, at practically the same time, effectually 
closing all the remaining roads northward and eastward 
out of the Salient. 

Joining Hands Across the Salient 

In HATTONCHATEL the Regulars of the 1st 
Division meet patrols of the "Yankee" Division that 
had reached the town from the opposite direction 
approximately an hour before. Rivalry is forgotten 
in the enthusiasm of victory and, with good-natured 
jibes at one another, they join hands across the famous 
Salient, sharing equally in the achievement of an 
important mission. 

Tightening the Gates 

Following behind the advance detachments and 
patrols, regiments of both divisions press forward in 
the early hours of the morning (September 13th) and 
join lines at 7 a.m., upon a solid front just eastward of 
HATTONVILLE, as the French close in from the 
south and west. In the pocket thus formed, all German 
forces south-westward of the new front crossing the 



202 ST. MIHiEL SALIENT 



Salient upon a line running through HATTONVILLE 
are hopelessly cut oflF, with surrender or capture as 
their certain fate. 

^^ It is thus that the St. MIHIEL SALIENT, the 
*'Hernia*\ as the French call it, after four years of enemy 
possession, is "pinched out'* and obliterated by the First 
American Army in the first twenty-six hours of its first 
independent operation. 

While the two Gates are thus brought together and 
closed, the movement north-eastward is continued 
toward the enemy's Michel Position until the reduction 
of the Salient is completed (September 1 8th). 

1st Division Retires to Rear 

Withdrawn from action, the 1st Division retires to 
the rear for a period of rest and recuperation prepara- 
tory to early participation in the Meuse-Argonne 
Offensive, having sustained a loss of 2 officers and 
72 men killed, 9 officers and 409 men wounded, and 
80 men temporarily missing. 

Achievement 

In addition to the brilliant execution of a vitally 
important task contributing so materially to the closing 
of the Southern Gate, the division has taken 1 ,195 pris- 
oners, including 5 officers, and captured 30 pieces of 
ligh": and heavy artillery and 50 machine guns. 

Western Face of Salient 

Proceeding now to the Western Face of the Salient 
we find the 5th American Corps, holding an irregular 
front of about twelve miles extending, first north-east- 
ward, then northward, from the eastern heights of the 
Meuse at Mouilly on the south to Watronville on 
the north, in readiness to launch the operation 
designed to close the shorter Western Gate in 
unison with the Southern Gate, 



4th division 203 



In position upon the Corps front from right (south) 
to left (north) are the 26th American ("Yankee*') Divi- 
sion, the 15th French Colonial Division, and the 4th 
American Division. 

With a shorter distance to cover in the advance in 
each of the three divisional sectors, the infantry attack 
of the 5th Corps is held back until the attack upon the 
Southern Face is well under way, being launched three 
hours later as the artillery bombardment, maintained 
for seven hours, is converted into the rolling barrage at 
8 a.m. (September 1 2th). 

4th DIVISION 

Prepared to play the role of hinge for the Western 
Gate, on the extreme left flank of the Corps, is the 
4th American Division. (Regular troops. Major Gen- 
eral John L. Hines, Regular Army, of West Virginia, 
commanding. For regiments and other units compos* 
ing the division, see page 579.) 

Mission of Division 

While devoid of spectacular possibilities, the mission 
entrusted to the division is nevertheless one of vital 
importance, demanding tactical and maneuvering skill 
calculated to bring into play all the experience gained 
by the Regulars in their participation in the reduction 
of the Mame Salient. 

With a thin line upon the ridges between Watron- 
ville and Tresauvaux, the division holds a front of 
approximately six miles, with the difficult task of 
practically remaining in position with the left flank from 
Haudimont to Watronville, while the right flank, 
maintaining touch with the 15th French Division, 
is slowly advanced over the hills toward Fresnes as the 
Western Gate swings northward. 

While the greatest distance to be covered is less than 



204 ST. MIIIIEL SALIENT 



two miles, every foot of ground must be carefully 
negotiated m the hinge-maneuver as the two divisions 
to the right move forward on the arc of a semi-circle, 
but with perfect confidence in themselves the Regulars 
of the 4th bend to their task the instant the rolling 
barrage strikes down before them at "Zero Hour", 

Movement Begins 

With the left flank holding its ground, the right 
advances step by step, as the attack on the south pro- 
ceeds. It i^ slow progress, however, with little oppor- 
tunity for battle action against the enemy. In the 
inevitable bewilderment and confusion of the enemy 
by four successive attacks following one another at four 
different points, little resistance is encountered by our 
troops upon this extreme left flank and the division is 
therefore able to carry out its difficult role with almost 
perfect maneuvering. 

The Gates Meet 

Maintaining touch with the French troops on the 
moving right flank, gradual advances are made until 
the forward movement is arrested as the outer edge of 
the Western Gate is brought into contact with the 
Southern Gate by the swift drive of our troops on the 
southeast toward Vigneulles during the night. Remain- 
ing in position until this maneuver is completed during 
the next day (September 13th), the division resumes its 
slow forward movement as the two Gates swing north- 
ward toward the enemy's Michel Position, advancing 
gradually until its lines are established upon the third 
day (September 14th) in the final position upon the 
new army front, with the left flank still at Watronville 
and the right flank at Fresnes. 

Division Withdrawn 

Relieved during the day by the 1 5th French Colonial 



26th division 205 



Division, the division is withdrawn to the rear for early 
participation in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 

With the slight loss of 2 officers and 14 men killed, 
3 officers and 57 men wounded and 1 officer and 
20 men temporarily missing, the 5th Division has 
carried out a difficult role with great credit to itself. 

26th DIVISION 

Prepared to add to its prestige as a first class battle 
unit gained by brilliant action in the reduction of the 
Marne Salient, in position on the extreme right flank 
of the 5th Corps is the famous 26th American ("Yan- 
kee") Division. (New England National Guard troops, 
— Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, 
Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Major General 
Clarence R. Edwards, Regular Army, of Ohio, com- 
manding. For regiments and other units composing 
the division, see page 579.) 

Mission 

In addition to the general mission of making the 
attack upon the Western Face of the Salient, in con- 
junction with the 1 5th French Colonial Division holding 
the center of the Corps front, the New England troops 
are charged with the particular task of carrying forward 
the outer edge of the Western Gate, — a vitally impor- 
tant role worthy of their past achievements in battle. 

Battleline of Division 

With a front of two and three quarter miles, the 
battleline of the division extends north-eastward from 
a point upon the northern fringes of the Bois Locloni, 
a little over a mile southeast of Mouilly, on the right, 
thence over the Cote de Senoux and crossing the great 
forest highway of La Grand Tranchee de Calonne, to 
the eastern edges of the Bois Haut, half a mile southwest 



206 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



of Les Eparges, on the left, — in touch there with the 
15th French Colonials. 

Facing Formidable Position 

In this position, the New Englanders and their 
French comrades are confronted by the strongest Ger- 
man lines upon the Western Face of the Salient, with 
the enemy in possession of particularly formidable 
positions constituting the Combres Group of defenses, 
consisting of the three difficult hills of Les Eparges, 
Combres and Amaranthe, defended by one Austro- 
Hungarian and three German regiments. 

Plunging into the Attack 

Outnumbered though they are, the Germans have 
the advantage of position, but the New England troops 
have faced a similar situation before and immediately 
upon the stroke of "Zero Hour" they plunge into the 
attack as the rolling barrage sweeps forward toward 
the enemy's first line of trenches. 

We Overcome Stiff Resistance 

In spite of the intense artillery bombardment to which 
they have been subjected for seven hours, the Germans 
surviving in well protected defenses, offer stiff resist- 
ance as their lines are assailed, but overcome by superior 
numbers they are finally swept out of their positions. 
Within the first few hours the enemy's forward line is 
carried and our troops, though opposed by machine 
gun and artillery fire from the hill slopes to the east, 
press on in a spirited advance which carries them by 
noon to the heights west and southwest of St. Remy, 
as the French Colonials on the left assail the western 
crests of Les Eparges and Combres to the north. 

Enemy Counter-Attacks 

In a counter-attack on Les Epa enemrges Hill they 



26th division 207 



regains part of his lost ground, but it is only a temporary 
success and the Germans are soon driven back by the 
French, as our own troops, meeting less resistance, 
continue their forward progress on the right. 
Germans Finally Retreat 
While the Germans succeed in retaining a desperate 
hold upon the eastern crests of Les Eparges, Comb res 
and Amaranthe throughout the afternoon, they are 
finally dislodged toward evening, being forced into the 
lowlands of the Woevre. 

In the pursuit, the New England troops drive an 
Austro-Hungarian division from strong positions in 
two successive lines of defense, — the Tranchee de Tilsit 
and the Tranchee de Kiel, — ^and, finally, following the 
enemy's disordered retreat, capture in swift succession 
the villages of ST. REMYand DONMARTIN, estab- 
lishing their lines by nightfall upon a front of 3,000 
yards within the northern edges of the FORET de la 
MONTAGNE, with the right flank slightly over a mile 
northeast of Dompierre and the left flank a similar 
distance southeast of Donmartin. 

Cutting off Retreating Germans 
With a distance of four miles still to go to reach the 
meeting point of the Western and Southern Gates, a 
swift drive toward Vigneulles must be made during the 
night to cut off the escape of German forces retreating 
before the French from the nose of the Salient on the 
south and a spearpoint thrust, similar to that launched 
from the Southern Face, is therefore immediately 
organized and sent forward with the 102nd Infantry 
(Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont troops) in 
the lead. 

A Bold Exploit 
In the intense darkness progress through the dense 
forest in battle formation is practically impossible. 



208 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 

especially as the enemy, with extended lines and 
machine gun positions in front, is prepared to contest 
an advance during the night, but, as the gap between 
the two Gates must be closed, one of the boldest 
exploits of the war is decided upon to circumvent the 
Germans. Withdrawn from reserve positions in the 
forest, the 1 02nd Infantry is assembled upon the great 
woodland highway of La Grande Tranchee de Calonne 
leading directly into the German lines. In solid for- 
mation, with patrols and advance detachments ahead, 
the regiment, accompanied by the divisional machine 
gun battalion, is marched straight over the road south- 
eastward through the forest into the enemy's territory. 
It is probably the very boldness of this maneuver which 
disarms the enemy and arouses no suspicion, and while 
progress is naturally slow because of darkness and the 
necessity for secrecy, the regiment penetrates into the 
German lines unopposed, with the patrols and advance 
detachments reaching HATTONCHATTEL at 2 a.m. 
(September 13th). 

Western Gate Closes 

When the advance detachments of the 16th and 18th 
U.S. Infantry, of the 1 st American Division, reach the 
same point an hour or so later, our troops join hands 
across the Salient, and it is thus that the "Yankee" 
Division executes its important mission of closing the 
Western Gate. 

With the regiments of the division following closely 
behind, the lines are extended and established upon a 
solid front at 7 a.m., cutting off all escape of German 
forces eastward from the nose of the Salient. 

The Gates Sweep Forward 

In the forward sweep of the two Gates toward the 
enemy's Michel Position during the day, the New 



26th division 209 



England troops move northward and, occupying VI E- 
VILLE-sous-les-COTES, BILLY, ST. MAURICE 
and AVILLERS, establish their lines for the night upon 
a front of three miles, with the right at Hattonchatel 
and the left at Avillers, in touch with French troops on 
both flanks. 

Resuming the advance upon the next day (September 
14th) the division continues its northward progress 
and, though under increasing long range artillery fire, 
forges constantly ahead, driving a final sharp salient 
into the enemy's territory by nightfall. 

With ST. HILAIRE at the apex point of this salient, 
the lines sweep backward on the right to a point just 
north of DONCOURT and on the left to SAULX-en- 
WOEVRE, constituting a combined front of over three 
miles. While this triangular position is exposed on 
both flanks to the enemy's artillery fire, the division 
remains holding it until the St. Mihiel operation is 
concluded and the new army front is permanently 
stabilized. 

Achievement 

In addition to its brilliant exploit of closing the 
Western Gate within the first eighteen hours of its 
advance, the "Yankee" Division has penetrated to the 
most northern point in the enemy's territory, taking 
2,568 prisoners, including 48 officers, mostly Austro- 
Hungarians, and capturing 12 pieces of artillery and 
109 machine guns, adding immeasurably to its prestige 
as a great battle unit. 

(Report of losses in this action not available. See 
page 554 for total losses of the division.) 

Conclusion 

With the foregoing brief description of the operations 
of individual American divisions, we come to the con- 
clusion of our story of the reduction of the St. Mihiel 

14 



210 ST. MIHIEL SALIENT 



Salient, and now, as the new front is reluctantly per- 
mitted to stabilize within striking distance of Metz 
and the Briey Iron Basin, we find the Commander-in- 
Chief and his staff turning their attention to the 
completion of plans for the great Meuse-Argonne 
Offensive, 



21 



MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

America's Greatest Battle 

Original Plans of Allies 

In the original plans for the reduction of the St; 
Mihiel Salient (the "Hernia'*, as the French called it), 
it was intented that the First American Army, after 
cutting oif the Salient, should continue its operations 
northward, pushing on through to Mars-la-Tour and 
Etain, thereby threatening the great Fortress of Metz, 
and, with this stroke, bring the campaign of 1918 to 
an end. With military operations practically impos- 
sible during the winter, it was planned to devote the 
winter months to applying the lessons our forces had 
learned in their first great battle as an army, — in reor- 
ganization and training, strenghtening weak links, 
and carrying through preparations for a swift and 
final great offensive in the spring of 1919, as, mean- 
while, new divisions, artillery, munitions, aeroplanes, 
and other supplies arrived from America, It was the 
consensus of opinion throughout the world at large 
that it was impossible to bring the war to an end be- 
fore the close of 1918 and that the deciding campaign 
would be that of the coming spring. 

Conflict Everywhere Turning Against Enemy 

Within the inner councils of the Allied Supreme 
Command, however, other eventualities, still possible 
before the close of 1918, were glimpsed. For, in 
other widely separated theaters of the great World 
War where Allied troops were contending against the 
the Central Powers, the scales of conflict were turning 
gradually against the enemy. In Palestine the Turks 
were falling back in defeat before the British ; in Ma- 
cedonia the Bulgarian Armies were beine; annihilates^ 



212 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

by the Allies ; in Italy, on the Piave, the Austrians 
were being crushed by the Italians, — and ground had 
been gained everywhere on the Western Front. 

War to Be Decided on Western Front 

^ Important as developments and achievements favor- i 
able to the Allies elsewhere in the world undoubtedly f 
were, contributing vitally and fatally to the eventual 
downfall of the enemy, it was in France, however, — 
upon the Western Front, — where the military situation 
must be resolved into final victory. 

Our Successes in France 

In addition to the successful operations conducted 
against the enemy during July, August and Septem- 
ber, 1918, in various sectors of the Western Front in 
which American troops were engaged, — the Marne 
Salient, upon the Champagne Front, and in [the 
St. Mihiel Salient, — the French and British, early in 
August, launched attacks in the Amiens Salient which 
resulted in equal success. 

With constant and heavy losses upon the Western 
Front which the German High Command, confronted 
by dwindling man -power, could not replace, and suffer- 
ing defeat upon defeat as the fighting continued, espe- 
cially in the Amiens and St. Mihiel Salients, the enemy 
soon exhibited visible signs of distress ; indeed, secret 
information received from behind the German lines, , 
added to the accumulating evidence of weakness, inde- 
cision, and gradually increasing demoralization, led to : 
the belief that an early decision might be forced and I 
the enemy completely overcome before winter, if the : 
successful blows already struck be followed up and 1 
offensives still in progress be extended and continued. 

Taking Swift Advantage of Opportunity 

With the initiative now in the hands of Marshal i 



IMPORTANCE AND FEATURES OF SECTOR 213 

Foch, to strike where and when he pleased, all of the 
Allied Commanders-in-Chief were in full accord as to 
the supreme, nay, vital, necessity of taking swift ad- 
vantage of opportunity and pushing the war to a finish, 
— a decision rendered possible only by the possession 
of a preponderating strength brought about by con- 
stantly increasing reserves, the so-called Allied counter- 
weights in the form of American divisions already in 
France and others continually arriving at the rate of a 
quarter of million men per month. 

A Daring Conception 

It was therefore decided by Marshal Foch to strike 
at once with a general offensive along the Western 
Front for a distance of over 200 miles, from the Meuse 
to the North Sea, and by simultaneous assaults keeping 
the enemy everywhere engaged, prevent the shifting 
of German reinforcements from point to point, 
with the main attacks being made by the Amer- 
icans and French between the river Meuse and Reims 
in the direction of Sedan-Mezieres and by the British 
and French in the north toward Cambrai-St.-Quentin. It 
was a daring conception, with the Meuse-Argonne 
attack, aimed at the enemy's vitals, as the most daring 
part of it. 

IMPORTANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS 
OF MEUSE-ARGONNE SECTOR 

Most Difficult Part of Western Front 

Constituting, as it did, the very bulwark upon which 
German military strength depended, being vital to the 
maintenance and existence of the German armies in 
France, the Meuse-Argonne Sector, extending from 
the river Meuse on the east to the Western edges of the 
Argonne Forest on the west, was the most important 



214 meuse-Argonne offensive 

and difficult of all theaters of war upon the Western 
Front. 

Possession of Sector Indispensable to Enemy 

With the great four-track railway system, Mezieres- 
Sedan-Carignan,— lying from 30 to 40 miles behind 
and north of the Meuse-Argonne Front, — protected 
and held by possession of this territory, its loss 
meant a mortal blow to the enemy. Retention of the 
railroad was as vital as life blood to the Germans, not 
only for the rapid movement of troops to and fro behmd 
the front, but also for the supply and maintenance of the 
German armies in northern France. More important 
still, especially from the strategical viewpoint, the 
region Metz-Sedan-Mezieres formed the pivot of all 
German operations in northern France. If invaded 
and wrested from the enemy and the railway seized 
or cut off, the ruin of the German armies would be 
complete. 

Most Formidable Portion of Hindenburg Line 

Realizing this, as they did, and appreciating as no 
one else the vital and paramount necessity of holding 
this vast territory, with its great and important railway 
system, the Germans, during four years of possession, 
had bent every effort and resorted to every ingenuity to 
render their positions and defenses in the Meuse- 
Argonne Sector impregnable and invulnerable. From 
every military viewpoint, defense as well as offense, 
this section of the Western Front constituted the 
strongest and most formidable portion of the famous 
Hindenburg Line. It consisted of a succession of 
five lines, one behind the other, separated from one 
another by distances varying from one to two and three 
miles, to a depth of thirteen or more miles, with elabo- 
rate systems of trenches, reinforced by concrete, stone, 



IMPORTANCE AND FEATURES OF S ECTOR 215 

and steel defensive works, — machine gun positions, 
gun emplacements, dugouts, shafts and tunnels — , 
protected by mazes of wire entanglements and other 
obstacles calculated to hold and pin down attacking 
forces under the concentrated fire of machine guns, 
mortars and artillery. 

Numerous Strongpoints 

Villages, hamlets and towns, railway depots* em* 
bankments and bridges, farms stone quarries, ravines, 
hills, woods and valleys, fortified and strengthened^ 
constituted strongpoints which had been ingeniously 
incorporated into and made part of a vast and perfect 
system of defense, — probably the most wonderful 
ryctem of defense the world has ever known. 

All Modern Conveniences 

In addition to its defensive characteristics, the system 
was connected up with supply centers by local narrow- 
gauge tramways in ravines and valleys, and cog-railways 
scaling the hills ; it was provided with pumping plants 
for supplying water, electric light and power plants, 
telegraph and telephone lines, hospitals, theaters, recre- 
ation rooms and sleeping quarters in concrete and steel- 
strengthened chambers underground. In one camp 
alone, so protected, in the Argonne Forest, there were 
accommodations for ten thousand men. 

Enemy's Strongest Position 

While the Argonne Forest formed only a small por*- 
tion of the whole sector, it was, perhaps, the strongest 
and most formidable individual position held by the 
enemy, — so strong and formidable, in fact, that, being 
considered impregnable, the entire scheme of attack 
upon the sector was governed by the necessity of 
outflanking the Forest on both sides rather than by 
wresting it from the enemy by frontal attack. 



216 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Argonne Forest and Manhattan Island 

From twenty to twenty-five miles in length and from 
two to five miles in width, in a direction northwest and 
southeast, the Argonne may be likened to Manhattan 
Island looking from the Battery toward the Bronx. 
Flanked by the Aisne on the west and the Aire 
on the east, as Manhattan Island is flanked by the 
Hudson and East rivers, and extending approxi- 
mately from the Villers-Brizeaux-Fleury road on the 
south to the Monthois-Grandpre road on the 
north, with the road from Le Four de Paris to Varennes 
representing 42nd street, paralleled by the great Hin- 
denburg Line, in plain view, on the ridge to the right, 
the Forest stands upon a plateau rising abruptly on 
its eastern side to heights from 500 to 800 feet above 
the valley of the Aire, sloping off gradually on the 
western side to the valley of the Aisne, into which 
the Aire flows through the gap at Grandpre. 

French and Germans Divide Forest 

With the left flank of the sector at La Harazee and 
the right flank at Samogneux on the Meuse, the 
northern half of the Forest lay within the German 
lines and the southern half within the French lines. 

The Topography 

In retaining his hold for four years upon a region so 
vital that utter ruin must follow its loss, the enemy was 
greatly aided by natural features of the terrain through- 
out the whole sector. With a front of eighteen or twenty 
miles from La Harazee to the Meuse, resting upon the 
deeply eroded valley of the Meuse on the east and 
the densely wooded and precipitous hills of the 
Argonne on the west, the territory between for a long 
distance northward is furrowed at intervals of a few 
miles by the transverse ravines and beds of numerous 



IMPORTANCE AND FEATURES OF SECTOR 217 

small streams which, originating in the watershed that 
extends northwestward by Esnes, Malancourt, Mont- 
faucon, Gesnes, Remonville and Buzancy, fall eastward 
into the Meuse or westward into the Aire. In between 
these ravines and streams lie a corresponding succession 
of high and steep ridges and detached hills^,>vOcded or 
bare, commanding the roads, paths, and approaches 
everywhere. In every respect the topography of the 
country was admirably adapted to that system of de- 
fense by the enfilade and crossfire of machine guns 
and concentrated fire of artillery which the Germans 
had developed to a fine art. 

Securing the enemy's left flank on the east, the 
heights of the Meuse, in addition thereto, gave the 
enemy excellent positions from which high-powered 
artillery could concentrate a most destructive flanking 
fire upon attacking forces advancing along the western 
bank of the river ; while, securing his right flank on the 
west, the elaborately fortified and densely wooded 
heights of the Argonne also afforded him good posi- 
tions for a sweeping and concentrated fire of artillery 
upon all the approaches and a large portion of his front. 

Montfaucon Towering Above All 

Dommating the whole sector, — indeed, towering 
over and frowning down upon it, — is the commanding 
height of Montfaucon, from which, with a concrete 
and steel tower protecting his heroic person, the now 
fugitive Imperial Crown Prince watched his Hun hire- 
lings hurling German legions to slaughter in forlorn 
attacks upon Verdun in 1916, Lying midway between 
the Meuse and the Argonne, the highest point on our 
way to the Lille-Metz Railway, rising to a height of 
1120 feet above sea level, Montfaucon towers above 
every other eminence in the sector, except the heights 
of Buzancy to the northwest, overtopping Mort 



218 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Homme and Hill 304 to the southwest which figured 
so prominently in the terrific struggle for Verdun. 
Heavily fortified Montfaucon was not only a strong 
defensive position, but afforded the enemy perfect 
observation over the entire sector as well. 

Vauq«iois Hill 

Standing like a solitary sentinel flush upon the front } 
between the Argonne and the Bois de Cheppy, only 
a mile or so southwest of Varennes, Vauquois Hill 
dominated the sector east of the Aire upon the south 
as Montfaucon did upon the north. , Looking down 
upon and brooding over "No Man's Land'* from a 
height of over 1000 feet above sea level Vauquois was 
a perfect example of German military ingenuity, 
combining an elaborate system of exterior trenches, 
trench mortar and machine gun positions, with heavily 
fortified underground shafts, passages, tunnels and 
galleries. It was, in fact, a veritable Gibraltar in 
miniature, equipped with electric light, power, and 
pumping plants and connected with other sections of 
the fortified area by tramways, telegraph and telephone 
lines. In constant battling in 1916 and early in 1917, 
Vauquois was the scene of bloody encounters between 
the French and Germans, with both sides resorting to 
mining and counter mining in which the opposing 
forces, coming m contact underground, were blown to 
bits, but the little fortress, defended by a comparative-* 
ly small garrison, probably less that two thousand 
men, held out against all attacks throughout the years, 
with a total loss to the French estimated variously from 
30,000 and 40,000 men. In the German defensive 
scheme the garrison of Vauquois was to hold out at any 
cost, even to the extent of sacrificing itself, to the last 
man, if need be, in its defense. 



SECTOR ASSIGNED TO AMERICANS 219 

"No Man's Land" 

In addition to all the difficulties and obstacles in the 
way of successful operations in the Meuse-Argonne 
Sector, were those that lay in the great width of 
"No Man's Land", together with the utter and absolute 
destruction of all roads and paths traversing that strip 
of neutral ground between the lines. 

All Advantages in Favor of Defense 

In such a territory, naturally strong, fortified and 
strengthened by every artifice of effort, ingenuity and 
resource which the enemy could command through- 
out four years of possess-ion, all the advantages, 
tactically end otherwise, were n favor of the defense 
and none m favor of the offense. 

Meuse-Argonne Sector Assigned 
to Americans 

In view of the obvious certainty that the Germans, 
by virtue of absolutely vital necessity, would be not 
only prepared but compelled to put up stiff opposition 
and make a desperate, even sacrificial, defense in order 
to retain possession of the Meuse-Argonne Sector, it 
was equally obvious and certain that victory could be 
achieved only through a resolutely pressed offensive, 
with heavy losses and terrible hardships among the 
attacking troops. In the face of these only too patent 
facts, as well as the fact that other Allied forces were 
reduced in numbers and somewhat exhausted by four 
years of war, the Allied Commanders-in-Chief recog- 
nized that it was only the young American Army, — 
flushed with recent victory and no defeats, still in pos- 
session of all its youthful strength and driving power, — 
that could withstand the strain and support the inevi- 
table lossess necessarily involved in a campaign such 
as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive demanded. 



220 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Pershing's Request 

General Pershing has stated that it was at his own 
request that the Meuse-Argonne Sector was assigned 
to the American forces, because it was the most impor- 
tant and at the same time the most difficult theater of 
war in which to operate, and, because, in his opinion, no 
other Allied troops had at that time the morale or the 
offensive spirit necessary to overcome the difficulties to 
be met in this sector, and moreover, because all plans 
and installations had been prepared for an extension 
of American operations into the territory so vital to 
the maintenance of the German armies in France. 

It will, therefore, always be a source of great pride to 
America and Americans that our troops were chosen 
by Marshal Foch, at General Pershing's request, to 
attack the most formidable as well as most vital sector 
of the German line of defense in the last great general 
offensive that ended in the enemy's final and complete 
defeat, acknowledged by the signing of the armistice. 

Object of the Attack 

In order, first, to continue, second, to win the war, 
it was necessary for Germany to retain undisturbed 
possession of and access to the inexhaustible coal 
fields of northern France and Belgium and the iron 
mines of Briey, the latter containing 80 % of the iron 
ore of Continental Europe. In addition, it was neces- 
sary for the enemy to remain in uninterrupted control 
of the double-tracked (in places, four-tracked) railway 
running from Lille, through Mezieres, Sedan and Ca- 
rignan, to Metz, which, as observed elsewhere, enabled 
the German High Command to shift rapidly large bodies 
of troops from one section of the far-flung Western 
Front to another and to transport with ease vast quan- 
tities of supplies. Strategically, therefore, the enemy's 
success depended upon retention of the Lille-Metz 



PLAN OF BATTLE 221 



railroad and economically upon holding the coal 
regions of Northern France and Belgium and the iron 
fields of the Briey basin. Losing either, Germany 
was doomed to defeat. 

Seizure of the railway by the Allies would force the 
enemy's retirement upon the entire Western Front and, 
as a natural result thereof, compel his abandonment 
of the coal regions and iron fields. 

It was the purpose of American operations in the 
Meuse-Argonne Offensive, with one stroke conti- 
nuously pursued to eventual success, to accomplish 
this vitally important dual-object, and, incidentally 
while doing so, — in the words of General Pershing, — 
"to draw the best German divisions to our front and 
consume them". It was certain that to defend, to the 
very last, the Meuse-Argonne region, so vital to the 
existence of the German army, the enemy would throw 
every available division into battle against us, drawing 
away, in all probability, sorely needed forces from 
other sectors to do so, thereby weakening other fronts 
and facilitating the penetrating attacks of the French 
and British against them. 

General Plan of Battle 

In general terms, the plan of battle of the Meuse- 
Argonne Offensive with the Mezieres-Sedan-Carignan 
railway as the eventual objective, contemplated an 
attack by the First American Army upon the twenty- 
mile front between the Meuse and the western edge of 
the Argonne Forest, with a tremendous drive along its 
eastern flank, as the Fourth French Army, launching 
an attack between the Forest and the river Suippes, 
made a similar drive along its western flank, the two 
armies flanking the enemy out of the Forest between 
them. In the Argonne itself, our left flank was to 
press forward as the enemy was outflanked. 



222 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

With the Argonne cleared up and left behind, simi- 
lar thrusts were to be made on either side of the Bois 
de Bourgogne and other wooded areas north oi the 
Aire to carry the advance into the Mezieres -Sedan - 
Carignan region for the seizure and cutting off of the 
enemy's great railway, 

TROOPS ENGAGED 

(Note, All commanding generals, except in case 
of the 2nd Division, were of the Regular Army. The 
State from which appointed to the Army is noted after 
the name of each.) 

First American Army 
General John J. Pershing (Missouri), 

Until Oct. 19. 
Lieut-Gen. Hunter Liggett (Pennsylvania), 

Rest of battle. 
1st Corps 
Maj.-Gen. Hunter Liggett (Pennsylvania), 

Until Oct. 13. 
Maj.-Gen. Joseph T. Dickman (Ohio), 

Rest of battle. 
3rd Corps 

Maj.-Gen. Robert L. Bullard (Alabama), 

Until Oct. 12. 
Maj.-Gen, John L. Hines (West Virginia). 

Rest of battle. 
5th Corps 
Maj.-Gen. Geo. H. Cameron (Illinois), 

Until Oct. 16. 
Maj.-Gen. Charles P. Summerall (Florida), 

Rest of battle. 

DIVISIONS 
(Note. The nine divisions marked * began the 
attack.) 

1 



TROOPS ENGAGED 223 



ist Division 

(Regular troops) 
Maj.-Gen. Charles P. Summerall (Florida;, 

Until Oct. 23. 
Brig.-Gen. Frank Parker (South Carolina), 

Rest of battle. 
2nd Division 

(Regular troops) 
Maj.-Gen. John A. Lejeune, Marine Corps. 
(Louisiana). 

3rd Division 

(Regular troops) 
Maj.-Gen. Beaumont B. Buck (Texas), 

Until Oct. 23. 
Brig.-Gen. Preston Brown (Kentucky), 

Rest of battle. 
"^ 4th Division 

(Regular troops) 
Maj.-Gen. John L. Hines (West Virginia), 

Until Oct. 16. 
Maj.-Gen. Geo, H. Cameron (Illinois), 

Oct. 16-23. 
Brig.-Gen. Benjamin W. Poore (Massachusetts), 

Oct. 23-Nov.6. 
Maj.-Gen. Mark L. Hersey (Maine), 

Rest of battle. 
5th Division 

(Regular troops) 
Maj.-Gen. John E. McMahon (New York), 

Until Oct. 23. 
Maj.-Gen. Hanson E. Ely (Iowa), 

Rest of battle. 
26th Division 

(National Guard of New England States,- -Maine, 



224 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut, and Rhode Island). 

Maj.-Gen. Clarence R. Edwards (Ohio), 

Until Oct. 25. 

Brig.-Gen. Frank E. Bamford (Wisconsin). 

*28th Division 

(Pennsylvania National Guard). 
Maj.-Gen. Charles H. Muir (Michigan). 
29th Division 
(National Guard of New Jersey, Delaware, Mary- 
land, Virginia, and District of Columbia.) 
Maj.-Gen. Charles G. Morton (Massachusetts). 

32ncl Division 

(National Guard of Michigan and Wisconsin.) 
Maj.-Gen. Wm. G. Haan (Indiana). 
* 33rd Division 
(Illinois National Guard.) 
Maj.-Gen. George Bell, jr. (District of Columbia). 

* 35th Division 

(National Guard of Kansas and Missouri.) 
Maj.-Gen. Peter E. Traub (New York.) 

^ 37th Division 

(Ohio National Guard.) 
Maj.-Gen. Charles S. Farnsworth (Pennsylvania.) 

42nd Division 

(National Guard of District of Columbia and 26 
States, — Alabama. California, Georgia, Illinois, 
Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, 
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New 
Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, 
Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, 
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin). 
Maj.-Gen. Charles F. Menoher (Pennsylvania.) 




General Gouraud 

The Famous French General 

Under whom the 42nd ( Rainbow") American Division fought on 

the Champagne Front, and the 2nd and 36th American Divisions 

operated west of the Argonne during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. 



iPhoto Braun, 'Por/sl 



TROOPS ENGAGED 225 



* 77th Division 

(National Army troops from New York City.) 
Maj.-Gen. Robert Alexander (Maryland.) 

78th Division 

(National Army troops from New York, New 
Jersey, and Delaware.) 
Maj.-Gen. James H. McRae (Georgia.) 

* 79th Division 
(National Army troops from Virginia, Maryland, 
and District of Columbia.) 
Maj.-Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn (Kansas.) 

*80th Division 

(National Army troops from Pennsylvania, West 
Virginia, and Virginia.) 
Maj.-Gen. Adelbert Cronkhite (Arizona.) 

81st Division 

(National Army troops from North Carolina. South 
Carolina, Florida, and Porto Rico.) 
Maj.-Gen. Charles J. Bailey (New York.) 

82nd Division 

(National Army troops from Georgia, Alabama, and 
Tennessee.) 
Maj.-Gen. Wm. P. Burnham (Pennsylvania), to Oct. 9. 
Maj.-Gen. George B. Duncan (Kentucky), 

Rest of battle. 
89th Division 
(National Army troops from Kansas, Missouri. 
Colorado, Arizona, South Dakota, New Mexico, 
and Nebraska.) 
Maj.-Gen. Wm. M. Wright (New Jersey.) 

90th Division 

(National Army troops from Texas and Oklahoma.) 
Maj.-Gen. Henry T. Allen (Kentucky.) 

15 



226 MEUSE-'ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

* 91st Division 

(National Army troops from Alaska, Washington, 
Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, 
Wyoming, and Utah.) 
MaJ.-Gen. Wm. H. Johnston (Ohio.) 

ARTILLERY 
The total number of guns employed at the beginning 
of the attack was 2,775. 

AIR SERVICE 
When the battle began the number of American and 
French aeroplanes available, in addition to an Italian 
Night Bombing Group, was 508. 

TANKS 

American, 142 ; French, 73, — total, 215. 
NUMBER OF MEN 

The total of American forces engaged in the battle 
was 631,405 officers and men. The French troops 
are estimated at 138,000, making a fgrand total of 
769,405. 

It is estimated that about 610,000 Germans were 
engaged. 

GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE 

(See map in pocket at back of hook) 

Prelude 
Assembling for Attack 

When the decision to attack upon the Meuse- 
Argonne front was reached and our troops were selected 
for that formidable task, the First American Army 
was engaged in preparations for the St. Mihiel 
drive, but orders dispatched to other battle units not 
employed in that operation started them immediately 
for the front of the new offensive. When, within the 
first twenty-four hours, the success of the St. Mihiel 
attack was assured, reserve divisions and army artillery 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (prelude) 227 

units were at once sent westward and shortly afterwards, 
as the reduction of the salient was finished, additional 
army and corps artillery organizations, auxiliary troops, 
tanks and avions followed, and finally some of the 
fighting divisions which had been in the first line of the 
recent battle, being withdrawn, joined in the masses 
moving toward the nev/ scene of action. With Septem- 
ber 26th fixed as the day for the attack, the Meuse- 
Argonne was probably one of the swiftest prepared 
offensives on record. 

In order to insure secrecy and keep the enemy in 
doubt as to where the next great blow might strike, 
troops moved only at night, lying in concealment by 
day. With only a few days more than a week in which 
to reach positions for the attack, time was pressing, — 
indeed, dogging the heels of our men, rendering forced 
night marches to cover as great distances as possible 
difficult and trying, in spite of which, however, our 
troops went forward with that spirit of determination, 
youthful enthusiasm, and happy devil-may-care indif- 
ference to hardships which had won for them the admi- 
ration of their Allied brothers-in-arms. With only 
three main routes toward the new front available, the 
roads were soon jammed and blocked with troop 
columns, artillery, supply trains and all kinds of mili- 
tary transport. In consequence, the forward move- 
ment of regiments, brigades and divisions, the forward- 
ing of supplies, food, medical stores, engineer material, 
ammunition, and their distribution into properly 
arranged "dumps" at the front, the establishment of 
field hospitals, the selection of flying fields for thous- 
ands of aeroplanes and parking places for tanks and 
military transport, the control and direction of traffic 
to and from the lines, — indeed, the carrying out of a 
thousand and one other details, all vital and essential 



228 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

t® success, with each day vanishing quickly and an- 
other coming on, constituted one of the most delicate and 
difficult problems of the war. It was successfully 
solved, however, by the staff of the First Army, and 
the concentration of our battle units, each in its ap- 
pointed rendezvous in the new theater of war, went 
on apace. 

American Front Extended 
In preparation for the actual attack. General Per- 
shing took over command of the Meuse-Argonne 
Sector from the 2nd French Army on September 
22nd, thereby extending the American front from 
the St.Mihiel front, east of the Moselle to the western 
edges of the Argonne, a total distance of about 65 miles. 
In addition to the First American Army, the 17th 
French Corps, with three divisions in line, designed for 
operations east of the Meuse, was included under 
American command. 

Keeping Enemy in Doubt 

For the purpose of keeping the enemy in do.jbt as to 
our intentions, French troops were retained in the 
front lines, with instructions to keep up the usual 
routine activity of trench warfare, and while the 
Germans, several days before the attack, secured some 
*'Poilus** as prisoners in raids upon the forward 
trenches, they obtained no information to confirm 
any suspicion they might have harbored of a great 
general attack by American forces upon the Meuse- 
Argonne front. Indeed, on the contrary, successful 
ruses carried out east of the line of the Meuse led 
the enemy into the erroneous belief that an 
offensive by our forces was about to be launched in the 
Champagne, east of the Meuse. 

Arrangements Completed 

Meanwhile, our activities behind the lines being 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (prelude) 229 

screened by the French troops holding the forward 
system of trenches, all arrangements for the great 
offensive were completed m comparative secrecy and 
as the French retired under the cover of darkness 
toward midnight of September 25th-26th, our battle 
units moved forward into their positions upon a front 
of 20 miles, from the Meuse at Regneville, on the east, 
to a point just northwest of La Harazee in the Argonne 
Forest, on the west. 

Units in Line Ready to Attack 

In readiness for the attack, with its units in line from 
right to left, the First American Army was in position 
with the 3rd American Corps (Major General Robert 
L. Bullard, Regular Army, of Alabama, commanding), 
holding the right wing upon a front of 6 miles, from the 
Meuse to a point just southeast of Malancourt, with the 
33rd, 80th and 4th Divisions in line and the 3rd Divi- 
sion in reserve ; the 5th Corps (Major General George 
H. Cameron, Regular Army, of Illinois, commanding) 
holding the center upon a front of 6 miles, from 
Malancourt on the right to a point southeast of Vau- 
quois Hill on the left, with the 79th, 37th and 91st Di- 
visions in line and the 32nd Division in reserve ; the 
1st Corps (Major General Hunter Liggett, Regular 
Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding), holding the 
left wing upon a front of 8 miles, from Vauquois Hill 
on the right to La Harazee in the Argonne on the left, 
with the 35th, 28th and 77th Divisions in line and the 
92nd Division (colored) in reserve, one regiment of 
which, the 368th Infantry, was charged with the impor- 
tant mission of maintaining liaison as a connecting 
unit between the First American Army and the French 
on our left. 

In the reserve of the First Army were the 1st, 29th 
and 82nd American Divisions and the 5th French 



230 MEUSfi-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



Cavalry Division, thus making a total force of nine 
divisions in line and seven in reserve for the initial 
attack. 

Westward upon a front|extending!from the western 
edge of the Argonne to the river Suippes, General 
Gouraud's Fourth French Army was in readiness to 
join in the great offensive with a northward drive 
along the western flank of the Forest, while east of the 
Meuse, though no attack was intended there for the 
time being, the 17th French Corps was in position, 
prepared under General Pershing's direction for any 
emergency that might arise. 

Titanic Prelude 

While accumulating evidence probably forced the 
enemy to the tardy conclusion that the impending 
attack was likely to fall between the Meuse and the 
Argonne, his awakening came too late to enable him 
to bring forward reserves of sufficient strength to rein- 
force the front lines. When our artillery preparation, 
descending upon the whole sector shortly before mid*- 
night, inaugurated the attack, it came upon the enemy 
therefore as a tactical surprise. With a blazing fire 
leaping forth from the throats of almost 3,000 guns, 
making an average of one gun for every ten yards upon 
the entife front, it was not only a most wonderful 
spectacle, but also the most terrific bombardment ever 
delivered upon a front of similar extent during the war. 
Myriad points of fire flamed forth at regular intervals 
for a distance of twenty miles, piercing the darkened 
dome of the sky, then falling as if the heavens were 
showering meteors down upon the earth. 

It is only one whose eyes actually beheld it who can 
ever again visualize that nocturnal prelude to battle, and 
he, with mere words on paper, backed by an imagina- 
tion however vivid, cannot convey to anyone else even 



GENERAL STORY OF B ATTLE (prelude) 231 

the slightest conception of its awful grandeur ; but 
wonderful as the bombardment was to the eye, it was 
even more terrifying to the ear, with nearly three thous- 
and guns booming throughout the night and shells 
of all calibers screaming and whistling through the 
darkness upon their sinister missions, reverberating 
among the hills, echoing through the valleys, crashing 
through the forests, spreading death and destruction 
everywhere in their path as they exploded at the end 
of their swift flight. 

A "Great Show" 

From the trenches, — upon ridges and hills, in the 
forests and valleys, — along the entire front of twenty 
miles, probably three hundred thousand or more young 
Americans watched the awe-inspiring spectacle. It 
held them spell-bound and drove from their minds all 
idea of rest or sleep or concern over the impending 
battle in which, perhaps, many of them would soon 
lay down their lives or be forever maimed. It was to 
them a "great show", a titanic Fourth of July cele- 
bration glorified one million fold. And while officers 
conferred over battle maps and plans at posts of com- 
mand in dugouts and trenches, they watched the 
sublime scene throughout the night until the first hints 
of approaching dawn recalled them to the serious 
business of war in which each had his appointed 
task. 

Terrible Destruction 

With a proportionate number of batteries, distri- 
buted at regular intervals along the entire front, con- 
stantly concentrating their destructive fire upon the 
German lines, wire entanglements and obstacles were 
razed, trenches caved in upon their defenders, dugouts 
battered to pieces over their occupants, trench mortar 
and machine gun positions obliterated before the eyes 



232 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

of their crews, tramways torn up, roads destroyed, 
telephone and telegraph lines put out of commission, 
— chaos and ruin in general being wrought throughout 
the enemy's defense system. 

The Barrage 

For six continuous hours the bombardment was 
maintained with unvarying regularity and intensity 
until it was converted towards dawn into a standing 
barrage upon and in front of the enemy's first line 
trenches, where it was held for twenty minutes, 
changing into a rolling barrage at 5:30 a. m., for the 
advance of the infantry. 

They Saw Their Joh, — and Did It 

It is probable that less than one-fourth of our men 
had ever before participated in an assault upon a strong- 
ly fortified line, many of them had never been in battle, 
before but in spite of their inexperience they were eager 
for the conflict in which they were certain and confi- 
dent they would prove superior to the enemy. With 
them, as individuals, it was a simple task that con- 
fronted them : Out there in front of them was the 
Hindenburg Line. It must be wrested from the enemy, 
as a sort of prelude to greater achievements to follow, 
and in doing so they must kill or capture every Hun 
that stood in their way. It was as simple as the A,B,C 
of any business — of any job to be carried through. 
"Let's go to it and finish it up," said they. How well 
they did their job is now a matter of history. 

Dense Fog Over Battlefield 

With the approach of dawn a dense fog settled over 
the battlefield like a mighty blanket. Hill-tops and 
ridges, thrusting their heights through it, were as s- 
lands in a sea of mist, which shrouded the lower land- 
scapes, blotting out trenches and battlelines, rendering 



GENERAL STORY OF B ATTLE (prelude) 233 

them invisible. Mingling with it and becoming part 
of it, the heavy vapors of smoke bombs, showered upon 
the opposing lines by our trench mortars, increased the 
density of the fog to an impenetrability which obscured 
even the flashes of our guns. It made of "No Man's 
Land" a more mysterious realm than ever. 

"Over the Top'* 

It was an impediment and a godsend at the same 
time, because, while it would slow up the advance, the 
enemy could not see through it to sweep the approach- 
ing lines with his machine guns, as our infantry went 
"Over the top" for miles upon miles along the entire 
front when "Zero Hour" struck. Instantly our attack- 
ing forces disappeared and melted away in the mist, but 
groping their way forward carefully they soon gained 
their positions behind the protecting curtain of shells, 
where they paused until shortly afterwards, when the 
rolling barrage moved toward the enemy's lines, they 
plunged into the attack. And so, the great Battle of 
the Meuse-Argonne was finally on. 

In order that the operations, inaugurated by the 
initial assault launched on September 26th and ending 
with the armistice on November 1 1 th, may be intelli- 
gently followed, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive is 
divided into three successive phases : 

First Phase : September 26^0ctober 3. Cracking the 
Hindenburg Line, the first of the enemy's 
five lines of defense ; smashing his second 
line, and penetrating the third ; develop- 
ing the attack and following up gains made 
in the face of increasing resistance over dif- 
ficult ground. 

Second Phase : October ^-October 31. Clearing the 
Germans out of the Argonne Forest ; going 



234 meuse-Argonne o ffensive 

through their fourth line of defense ; ter^ 
rific fighting, with important, though small, 
advances. 
Third Phase : November 1 -November 1 1 . Continua- 
tion of offensive, crumbling of German 
defense and pursuit of enemy's defeated 
forces until armistice calls a halt, ending 
the war. 

FIRST PHASE * 

{September !&— October 3) 
We Make Rapid Progress 

With the right wing (3rd Corps, — ^33rd, 80th, and 
4th Divisions) on the Meuse at Forges acting as a pivot 
for the entire attack, the center (5th Corps, — 79th, 
37th, and 91st Divisions) driving through the Aire 
valley and over the wooded hills to the east, and with 
the left wing (1st Corps,— 35th, 28th, and 77th Divi- 
sions) sweeping along the western edge of the Argonne 
Forest, with one of its battle units advancing on the 
east bank of the Aire, another on the west bank, and 
the third moving forward through the Forest on the 
extreme left flank as the attack eastward develops, rapid 
progress is made from the instant our attacking lines 
plunge into the dense fog upon the heels of the thun- 
derous barrage rolling on ahead of them. 

Little or no resistance is encountered at first, as the 



* It is an erroneous impression, prevalent in the public mind, that 
much, in fact, nearly all, of the fighting in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive 
occured in the Argonne Forest and the battle has been referred to as the 
"Argonne Offensive" instead of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, its proper 
title. In point of fact, the Forest constituted only a small portion of the 
battlefield and fighting there was over practically within the first fiteen 
days of the offensive, which continued, for thirty-one days more, 
going through various phases, until the armistice went into effect. 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (first ptiase) 235 

Germans, demoralized by the destructive artillery 
bombardment to which for six hours they have been 
subjected, or surprised and stunned by the swiftness of 
the infantry attack, are soon overcome or surrender 
without a struggle. Indeed, so rapid is the advance, 
in spite of the density of the fog and the difficulty of the 
terrain, that within a few hours our attacking units, 
having carried the enemy's forward systems, are beyond 
the effective supporting range of our field artillery and 
are thrown upon their own resources in carrying for- 
ward the attack, aided only by such fire as our heavy 
long range guns can deliver, over and beyond the attack- 
ing lines, from their original emplacements. 

Whole Front Bristles With Machine-Gun Fire 

Dependent upon their own originality and tactical 
ingenuity in attacking local obstacles and breaking 
through mazes of wire by which the enemy's lines are 
everywhere protected, our troops continue their for- 
ward progress nevertheless until towards noon when, 
as the fog breaks and is dissipated by the sunshine 
which floods the battlefield, the whole front bristles with 
machine-gun fire from skillfully concealed positions of 
concrete and steel so situated and placed throughout 
the enemy's lines as to concentrate frontal, enfilade and 
flanking fire upon the attacking forces assailing them. 
It is the first organized resistance encountered, but, 
serious and, in places, formidable though it is, inflicting 
losses and imposing temporary checks here and there, 
it does not stop the general forward progress of our 
troops, flushed, as they are, with brilliant success in the 
initial stages of the attack. 

Every Objective Reached 

With whatever confidence, even certainty, the enemy 
has depended upon his system of machine gun defense, 



236 MEUSE'ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

which he has developed into a fine art, to withstand the 
onslaughts of the First American Army, it has failed 
him utterly, and despite increasing opposition in the 
afternoon, aided materially by heavy and well directed 
artillery fire as our troops come within closer range of 
the enemy's guns, the objectives of the day set for each 
corps are reached or passed virtually along the whole 
front as darkness settles down upon the battlefield. 

Hindenburg Line Now Behind Us 

With a penetration of from one or two to four or 
five miles into the enemy's territory, the supposedly 
impregnable Hindenburg Line, shattered and broken, 
lies behind us, and the Hagen Stellung, the enemy's 
second line, before us for conquest the next day. 

Our Right Wing 

In the sector of the right wing the 3rd Corps, in 
addition to capturing Bethincourt and Cuisy and pene- 
trating into the Bois de Sepsarges with its left flank, 
has accomplished the difficult mission which involved 
the passage of Forges stream, negotiating the swampy 
lowlands beyond and outflanking the strongly fortified 
Bois de Forges with its right flank, now safely anchored 
on the west bank of the Meuse from Forges to Danne- 
voux, there to remain as the hinge of operations 
throughout the remainder of the First Phase of the 
offensive. 

In the Center 

In the center the 5th Corps, with a swift advance 
straight northward through the dense and extensive 
woodlands in its front, has swept its battlelines forward 
to the southern slopes of the stronghold of Montfaucon, 
there to cling, under a galling fire of artillery and ma- 
chine guns, throughout the night. 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (first phase) 237 

The Left Wing 

In the sector of the left wing the outer flank of the 
1 St Corps, after smashing through the enemy's defenses, 
has forged ahead in the Argonne and along its edges 
west of the Aire for several miles, while upon the right 
of the Corps front, east of the Aire, Vauquois Hill, that 
veritable Gibraltar ; Rossignol Woods, a sylvan strong- 
point ; Varennes, and the stronghold of Cheppy, have 
been conquered. 

The Critical Problem 

With the success of the initial attack assured, the 
critical problem now is the movement of artillery and 
ammunition across the trackless region of "No Man's 
Land" to support the continued progression of our 
ta^oops. 

In Our Rear Areas 

In the rear areas of the conquered terrain the night 
is alive with action, — engineers building roads, supply 
and ammunition columns rushing forward, hospital 
ambulances streaming rearward, artillery moving up to 
new positions, — everything pulsing with the intensive 
and feverish activity of preparation that follows in the 
wake of a victorious army to enable it to press on against 
the enemy. 

Resuming the Attack at Daylight 

Resumption of the attack at daylight (September 
27th) inaugurates a period of as bitter and bloody *strife 
as the Western Battle Front has ever witnessed, but 
our troops, inexperienced as well as experienced, prove 
equal to the demands made upon them, being carried 
forward by that spirit of confidence which is the battle 
more than half won. It is this confidence which enables 
them to meet unflinchingly the diabolical rattle of ma- 
chine guns which greets them the instant the advance 



238 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

is resumed. From every hilltop, ridge, fold of ground, 
stream bank, and clump of woods, missiles of death are 
poured into them as they assail the enemy's second 
line. 

Mazes of Wire and Obstacles 

Delays occur here and there as they encounter mazes 
of interlaced entanglements and obstacles, which our 
artillery fire has not destroyed. With bullets singing 
around them, with wire-cutters snipping and bayonets 
slashing, they cut their way through, leaving many a 
comrade's dead body hanging in the wires behind them 
as they go on determined to avenge their death. 

Enemy's Second Line Carried 

In the struggle for the Hagen Stellung, the enemy's 
second line, with its ramifications of intersecting 
trenches, shafts, tunnels and dugouts, strengthened by 
steel and concrete, many a desperate encounter is fought, 
but one by one the salient points resting upon ridges 
and wooded hills or in fortified villages are won and the 
line is carried from one end to the other, as the great 
battle rages on throughout the morning. 

Mont£aucon Falls 

In the face of a terrific concentration of machine-gun 
and artillery fire from its fortified crests, the formidable 
heights of Montfaucon, in the center, are captured 
before noon by the troops of the 5th Corps, some of 
them never in battle before. With this stronghold, 
probably, with the exception of the Argonne, the most 
important single tactical feature of the battlefield, in our 
possession, we have gained a distinct advantage, but 
increasing resistance indicates not only a recovery from 
surprise but a realization by the enemy of the disaster 
which threatens him unless our onslaughts be checked* 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (first phase) 239 

Enemy Vents His Rage 

In this awakening to danger, the enemy vents his rage 
with malevolent fury upon Montfaucon, seeking to 
blast our victorious troops from its crests by a contin- 
uous storm of artillery fire from every German gun 
within range. Gas and high explosive shells in a per- 
fect avalanche of steel are poured down upon the strong- 
hold as if the enemy would raze from the landscape this 
accusing symbol of defeat, looming up there on the 
horizon, towering above the surrounding country. 
Loss of this commanding position must have been like 
a stab into German consciousness, and as the battle 
goes on, opposition grows stronger and stronger day by 
day, rendering progress increasingly difficult over the 
fire-swept terrain covering the entire front of conflict. 

Numerous Counter-Attacks 

Counter-attacks, constantly increasing in number, 
are launched by the enemy, successful for one moment, 
repulsed in another. Desperate encounters are waged 
for road crossings, towns, villciges and farms; for ridges, 
little knolls and small patches of woods. It is these en- 
counters, with our men often locked in hand-to-hand 
conflict with the enemy, that make up the sum total of 
battle. Ground is gained and lost and gained again, 
and here and there along the entire front the battlelines 
surge back and forth over the bare hills and forest- 
crowned ridges, through the ravines and valleys. 

Our Men Dig Themselves Into ''Fox Holes** 

It is open warfare in the open spaces between the 
concrete-ribbed and steel-girded lines of the enemy's 
defense systems, with the advantage always in favor of 
the defense. With bayonets and mess-pans our men 
dig themselves into hastily scooped out **fox holes'* 
upon hillslopes and in the open fields, there to pause 



240 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



momentarily If the advance is proceeding, or to cling 
there desperately If It Is temporarily checked. 

Aeroplanes, Artillery and Machine Guns 

Low-flying aeroplanes swoop down, streaming 
deadly missiles into them from the air, until attacked 
and driven off by our own knights of the air. Artillery 
throws its flesh-rending and death-dealing salvos 
among them. Clusters of machine gun nests, concealed 
in every clump of woods, perched upon every height, 
hidden behind every wall, bristling from trenches or 
portruding from concrete turrets flush with the ground, 
pour an interlocking cross-hre of bullets into them as 
it sweeps from hill to hill across the oi)cn fields and 
valleys and plunges from crests into the ravines 
or streams from village houses into the streets and 
approaching roads. 

Uneven Advance of Units 

In the uneven l)attle experience which our battle 
units undergo, regiments, brigades, and divisions, con- 
fronted by the necessity of keeping in touch with one 
another lest the enemy break through their lines, are 
often compelled to advance when to do so means heavy 
losses or to fall back and give up hard-won ground, 
because flanking units have been unable to move for- 
ward with them in the face of more stubborn resistance. 
Frequently, therefore, their flanks are "in the air, * 
exposed to enfilade fire from the right and left as they 
withstand fire from the front and sometimes from the 
rear, — indeed, besieged upon all sides now and then as 
the battlelmes sway back and forth with the surge of 
conflict. 
We Experience Local Repulses and Victories 
In the kaleidoscopic changes to which the battle lends 
itself, as all battles always do, we experience local 



t,"*". "i 







:'#''.& ,*■;;■ 



American tanks advancing in the Argonne Forest. 




Lieut.-Gen. R. L. Bullard 
(Regular Army, of Alabama) 
Commanded 1st Division, 3rd American Corps, and Second American 
* Army. 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (first phase) 241 



repulses here and gain local victories there, as the fleet- 
ing hours pass day upon day, but whatever their tempo- 
rary reverses may be or however often they gain little 
victories, which make up the sum total of battle, our 
men attack again and again and with their dogged deter- 
mination, their skill and their pluck, they forge gradually 
on and on, — and win. 

Montfaucon, Now Our Observing Eye 

Montfaucon now serves us as an observing eye as 
once it served the Imperial Crown Prince, — safe from 
harm in his tower of concrete and steel. In the center 
of conflict, standing like a sentinel on guard, watching 
the stirring panorama of clashing strife moving over the 
landscape below, that eye observes the tide of battle 
ebbing and flowing,— beating up against Cierges and 
Nantillois in front to the north, crashing through the 
woodlands and ravines toward Bneulles on the Meuse 
to the northeast and assailing Gesnes, Exermont and 
Apremont to the northwest and west. With a contin- 
uous deluge of projectiles upon the crest and slopes, 
the Germans seek to blind or destroy the watchful eye 
of Montfaucon, even as we tried to blind or destroy it 
when the enemy possessed it, but it is a futile effort. 
While sight is sometimes blurred by poisonous vapors 
and noxious gasses rising from the battlefield every- 
where in clouds of deadly mist as exploding shells rain 
in steady torrents among our troops, the observing eye 
of Montfaucon penetrates the protecting curtain of fire 
and discovers enemy reinforcements gradually working 
forward behind it, filtering through forests, skirting 
; hills, wending their way through little valleys and 
; ravines, coming on and on toward the battlelines until 
i they are hurled into fierce counter-attacks against our 
legions. 

With the enemy's defense thus freshened and 

ji !6 



242 MEUSE-ARGONNE Qf-'F £N S1V£ 

atrengtficnedi by new forces, — six divisions from Mctz. 
• — the conflict becomes more violent, more savage, 
more deadly, — one without mercy. Counter-attacks 
increase in number and fury, fjut our men meet them 
with flf>£/ged determmatjon. fiowever, some of our 
individual units, -companies, battalions, and some- 
times regiments, — -are compelled to give up ^iesperately 
won ground or evacuate advanced positions in little 
towns and villages under heavy shelling of artillery and 
blasts of machine gun cross-hre by which the assaults 
of the enemy are supported, but our forcf:s succeed 
upon the whole In maintaining their general front and 
holding their assailants at bay. 

Enemy Reinforcements Continue 
to Come 

In sheer desperation and with an ever mcreasing 
realization of the danger that threatens him, the enemy 
continues to reinforce his battlelines, rushing forward 
new divisions from the Metz area, until opposition 
f: very where upon our front grows gradually more for- 
midable, rf:ndering advances constantly more difficult 
as exhaustion and losses begin to affect the driving 
f>ower of our battle units. 

Enemy Concentrates His Artillery 
Upon Our Flanks 

In addition to counter-attacks repeated over and 
over again, the enemy has developed a powerful and 
destructive artillery concentration upon both flanks 
of our army, from the wooded escarpements of the 
Argon ne west of the Aire against our left flank and 
from commanding heights east of the Mcuse against 
our right flank. With balloons, hovering over the 
enemy's lines, directing the German guns, an accurate 
fire is maintained upon our forces, and while our aero- 
planes, in sv/ift and darting attacks, hr ng some of these 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (first pha^e) 243 



balloons; crashing to the ground, rAhftrs quickly aacendl 
to replace them, and the ritorrn of shells continues 
almost without ce^i^ation. 

Our Advance Slows Down 

Meanwhile, the fj^fitjng, thouL^fj extremely hitter, 
18 gradually LeeorrunL^ lof^ctl jn eh^iraeter, and while 
small, though jmportant, advancer-;, with the aid of 
tanks, contir. ': . ;.e made, penetrating at one point 
into the enerny s third line, the Volker Stellung, the 
general forward movement upon the whole front i.^ 
slowing dov/n as our divtaiona, v/e:akened hy their losse^i 
and exertions, approach complete exhaustion toward 
the end of the month. Some of our division-, have 
fi]ffjxr]y Leen re!i-':/f:^' ^^V^er-; taking their pUe':.., L'jt 
arfiong tho'.e ',tj.. , , -'', un^t'. have r^eeer;.^; .'.-../'/J 

and jnterrriif/L^le^J and redij''/;'i, '/.pe-jaily by f.>a.'.!jaltje?> 
ar- '.fficer',, ' '' '■ r/j .::.'■.:::. ryc: eorrimand':d Lv 
'''••'- , hattjajj' •,/ iie.^ '■/:.'. o.'j'"., -'^'r; ''/.■rr.'par:;':'. Ly 

r:^^>int^. */lorf:eyer, it h.5L-. r>';'.e;:,'. .■ /.r. h.i -.:■., 'diffi- 
cult to bring forward '.uppjie.arjdamrnunitior; ever the 
&liell-2il'iattered r^ ^j^i. ^r ' .- '-j . heen impoi'^ihle for the 
artillery to follov. tr/. pa. . e'^ ;rue infantry. 

Fir«t Pha^e Close* 

Frelirniriary to any further general advance, road'; 
must be repaired, stipplies and amrnunitiorj hrought 
forward, the artillery moved up tonf^w supporting posi- 
tion:^, and the troop-i them.elv^;. i^ / ;n a rest. Indeed, 
re^jrganizatjon of our force, i . ;,-'/;, ;ary and it is thi'^* 
v/hich brmg. the First Ph^.e cf tfie Meuse-Argr/nne 
O > ^;e/: 0' It, though bitter close 

q- '' ; •;ntire front during 

t'^ ^i;rmans constantly 

their li . the First American Army 

iake« preparations to resume the arivarice. 



244 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



SECOND PHASE 

(October 4th-0ctober 31st) 

Clearing the Germans out of the Argonne Forest ; going 
through their fourth line of defense ; terrific fighting, with 
important, though small, advances. 

Our Loins Girdled for Another Advance 

Refreshed and strengthened by such rest as it was 
possible to obtain during the brief interlude in the battle, 
with three new divisions in line, with our artillery 
moved forward into excellent supporting positions 
close behind our attacking units, with tanks and aero- 
planes ready to aid the infantry, with arrangements 
completed for supplies and ammunition to follow up our 
troops, with reserves in constant readiness behind the 
lines to rush into the conflict to replace depleted or 
exhausted divisions, — in short, with all the almost 
endless preparations necessary to challenge the enemy 
once more carried through in record time, the First 
American Army stands ready upon the night of October 
3rd-4th to resume the great offensive, in line from right 
to left, with the 3rd Corps (33rd, 80th and 4th Divi- 
sions) in the right wing, its extreme flank on the Meuse, 
the 5th Corps (3rd and 32nd Divisions) in the center, 
and the 1st Corps (1st, 28th and 77th Divisions) in the 
left wing, its left flank running through the Argonne. 

With our loins thus girlded for another advance, the 
battle is resumed upon the morning of October 4th 
when, without the usual preliminary artillery prepara- 
tion to warn the Germans, but accompanied by a heavy 
rolling barrage, a general attack is launched against the 
enemy's fourth line of defense, consisting of a series of 
formidable positions known as the Kriemhilde Stellung, 
running along the heights north cf Beffu-et-le-Mort- 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (second phase) 245 

Homme, Landres-et-St. George, Bantheville, Aincre 
ville and Clery-le-Petit to the Meuse. 

We Overcome Strong Resistance 

While the attack is undoubtedly a surprise to the 
enemy, formidable resistance is encountered fron;: the 
very beginning, especially in the center where desperate 
fighting occurs, but, nevertheless, our troops succeed 
in wresting from the Germans strong positions of 
considerable importance, such as the woodland strong- 
points of the Bois du Fays and the Bois des Ogons, 
north of Nantillois, on the right, and the fortified 
villages of Exermont, Chehery and La Forge, on the 
left. 

East of the Meuse 

In the meantime, the battle has developed situations 
on both the right and left flanks of our attack requiring 
tactical and strategical treatment in order that the whole 
offensive may be quickened in pace and increased in 
driving force. With our troops operating immediately 
west of the Meuse subjected to constant enfilade fire by 
artillery from strong positions on the eastern banks of 
the river, it is decided to extend operations in that 
direction, not only to silence the enemy's guns and 
relieve pressure upon our right flank, but to involve, 
at the same time, more German divisions in the battle. 
Immediate preparations are made for a supporting 
attack east of the Meuse by the 1 7th French Corps (the 
33rd and 29th American Divisions operating with it) 
to be carried forward simultaneously with the main 
offensive in the sector between the Meuse and the 
Argonne. 

Enemy Artillery in Argonne Forest 

Similarly, on the left flank, with the enemy in posses- 
sion of commanding artillery positions on the wooded 



246 MEUSE-ARGO NNE OFFENSIVE 

slopes of the eastern edges of the Argonne, to whose 
enfilade fire our troops in the valley of the Aire below 
are constantly exposed, and with the Germans, though 
now flanked on both sides, still holding out in the 
Forest itself, a new tactical movement, not included in 
the original plan of battle, is launched against the great 
woodland stronghold on October 6th. In order to force 
the Germans out of the Argonne and compel them to 
retire north of the Aire, the heights upon the eastern 
edges of the Forest must be seized. Formidable nat- 
ural positions, well organized for defense against fron- 
tal attacks, these heights dominate the valley of the 
Aire by some three hundred feet, but however difficult 
the operation may be, it is decided to strike swiftly and 
forcefully with an attack in a westerly direction from 
the line Chehery-Fleville. 

The Attack 

Crossing the Aire by fording and over hastily con- 
structed footbridges, our infantry launch a series of 
terrific assaults upon the enemy's positions. In its 
very boldness the attack is a complete surprise to the 
Germans, but realizing the inevitable results of our 
success, the enemy quickly recovers and counters with 
a deadly concentration of machine-gun and artillery fire 
upon our troops. Desperate battling ensues, in which 
we suffer severe losses, but as the Germans are gradually 
conquered, our troops, after capturing the villages of 
Chatel-Chehery and Comay, carry the keypoint posi- 
tions. Hill 244 and Hill 223, northwest and southwest 
of Chatel-Chehery, and Hill 180, northeast of Cornay, 

Argonne Forest Cleared 

Loss of these formidable positions upon the eastern \ 
edges of the Argonne, simultaneously with the thrust of 
the Fourth French Army (with which American divi^f 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (second phase) 247 ^ 

sions are now operating) to the west, results in placing 
the enemy's forces in the Forest in a desperate plight, 
particularly as our left flank is now able to advance. 
Flanked on both sides, assailed in front and open to 
attack from the rear as our advance gains ground north- 
ward,— threatened, in fact, upon all sides and in danger 
of being cut off, — further defense is impossible, and 
realizing that his salient in the Forest is untenable, the 
enemy retreats to the north beyond the Aire where the 
river swings westward toward the gap of Grandpre. 
(October 10th.) 

Enemy Division of Old Men Vanishes 

It is thus that the great woodland fortress is finally 
conquered. In the desperate fighting which the Forest 
has witnessed, our troops upon the left flank of the 
1 St Corps have been opposed with savage resistance by 
the Second Landwehr Division, which has held the 
Argonne, in peace and quietness, for more than a year. 
Made up of old men, mostly from Wiirttemberg, the 
division is sacrificed. Torn to shreds, its place is filled 
by infiltration of new units upon its flanks, a process in 
which, after a valiant and heroic defense, the division 
of old men simply disappears and vanishes from the 
scene. 

New Task for First Corps 

In their retreat from the Argonne Forest northward, 
the Germans have fallen back upon a formidable posi- 
tion in the Bois de Bourgogne, — a last wooded bulwark 
of strength guarding the important enemy line of Sedan- 
Stenay, — upon which rests the right flank of the Kriem- 
hilde Stellung, the enemy's fourth line of defense. It 
is impregnable to frontal assault and must be outflanked 
by two simultaneous thrusts, — by the Fourth French 
Army on the west and the 1st Corps on the east, — 
compelling the enemy to withdraw from this flanking 



248 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

woodland buttress, if successful. When its battle units 
plunge into the attack on October 14th, the 1st Corps, 
therefore, strikes for a new objective, driving straight 
northward upon the eastern flanks of the Bois de Bour- 
gogne, toward a line running eastward upon the heights 
north of Briquenay and Thenorgues and south of 
Sivry-les-Buzancy. 

Enemy Makes Fierce Resistance 

From the instant the attack is launched the enemy 
throws down a heavy counter barrage upon the whole 
front, inflicting severe losses among our troops, and as 
the advance is pressed tremendous resistance develops, 
with a raking fire of artillery from the wooded heights 
upon both flanks and an almost decimating cross-fire 
of machine guns from the strongholds of Grandpre on 
the west and Romagne and Bantheville on the east. 

We Capture Two Strongholds 

Protected by the unfordable depths of the Aire in 
front and defended by bristling lines of machine guns 
upon the hills beyond, Grandpre proves a formidable 
obstacle impregnable to direct attack, but, gradually 
working around the stronghold, the troops of the 1st 
Corps, after crossing the river, capture the town on 
October 16th, sweeping forward beyond it into the 
Bois des Loges, one of the wooded escarpements of the 
enemy's forest buttress of Bourgogne to the northwest. 
While the enemy, resisting desperately, is driven from 
it, the little wood, in a terrific concentration of artillery 
immediately afterwards, is drenched with poisonous 
gas, compelling our troops to withdraw. Realizing the 
importance of retaining possession of it, the Germans 
reoccupy the wood, holding it against repeated assaults 
until, in savage hand-to-hand combat, they are finally 
overcome and driven out again upon the third day, 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (second phase) 249 

when the whole advance upon the eastern flanks of the 
Bois de Bourgogne is pressed forward. 

Piercing the Kriemhilde Line 

In the meantime the 5th Corps, fighting forward in 
the center, is striving to break through the Hne of hills 
on both flanks of the Andon river and, by encircling 
the well defended village of Romagne, to pierce the 
Kriemhilde Stellung at its strongest point. 

Romagne Is Ours 

Formidable and desperate resistance precipitates 
fierce fighting which continues for several days, but the 
turning movemeiit eventually succeeds, resulting finally 
in the capture of Romagne, — a village destined to 
become, at a later day when strife has ceased, the site 
of our largest "Bivouac of the Dead" in France, where 
23,000 of our men, who came across the seas "Crusad- 
ing for Right", now lie in their last eternal sleep among 
the echoing hills on whose slopes they fought and died. 

Prussian Guards Defeated 

In the advance westward of Romagne, which carries 
our attacking lines through the Bois de Gesnes and the 
Bois de Romagne to the wooded slopes of the Cote de 
Chatillon, our troops meet with stiff opposition from 
a division of Prussian Guards holding the ridges, — 
part of the Kriemhilde Line, — southeast of Landres- 
et-St. Georges. With characteristic devotion to a false 
cause and with reverence for their age-old traditions, 
the Guards fight and hold out to the last man, but 
finally our "Rainbow" Division, after being checked 
again and again, storms the crest in a whirlwind attack, 
and, bearing down upon the defenders, wrests the hill 
from the famous soldiers of the German army. 

Our Right Advances Under Difficulty 

In the meantime, in a drive through the wooded 



250 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

country between Cunel and the Meuse, the troops of 
the 3rcl Corps, on the right, are repeatedly held up, but 
constant attacking gradually gains ground toward the 
eastern flank of the Kriemhilde Stellung. In the little 
Bois des Rappes, west of Bantheville, the enemy holds 
out against assault after assault and it is not until, with 
the fourth attack, that the Germans are finally driven 
from their positions in the woods on October 21st. 
Within the next few days in smalt local operations the 
enemy is forced back over the Andon river and our 
battlelines are carried forward northward to Banthe- 
ville. 

All Objectives Attained 

With our objectives practically all attained upon the 
entire front of our attack, the line of the First Army 
now extends from Grandpre, north of the Aire, on the 
west, over the ridges south of Landres-et-St. Georges, 
continuing in a general easterly direction to the Meuse, 
north of BrieuUes, on the east. 

Our French Comrades 

Meanwhile, the Fourth French Army, encountering 
equally stiff opposition requiring equally as fierce fight- 
ing to overcome, has kept constantly abreast of our 
troops, though separated by considerable distance, and, 
driving its northward thrust forward upon the western 
flank of the Bois de Bourgogne and storming the heights 
opposite Vouziers, has advanced its battlelines several 
miles east of the river Aisne in the joint enterprise of 
flanking the enemy out of his Argonne Forest 
stronghold. 

We Take Another Breathing Spell 

With the Kriemhilde defense line broken, the remain- 
ing days of October are spent in consolidating our posi- 
tions, rectifying and straightening our lines by minor 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (third phase) 251 

local actions against the enemy here and there, replacing 
exhausted battle units by new divisions, moving up the 
artillery, bringing forward supplies and ammunition, and 
carrying out all the necessary preparations for another 
great general attack from the positions we have gained 
along the whole front. 

THIRD PHASE 
(November 1 st-November 1 1 th) 
Continuation of offensive, in crumbling of German 
defense and pursuit of enemy's defeated forces until armistice 
calls a halt, ending the war. 

German Spirit Nearing Breaking Point 

While preparations are in progress for the final phase 
of the great offensive, it becomes increasingly apparent 
that the enemy's strength is waning, that his morale 
is constantly weakening, and that his spirit is nearing 
the breaking point. Indications, confirmed by evidence 
from behind the German lines, point to nervousness, 
apprehension, and fear. 

In thirty-six days of almost continuous battle, involv- 
ing as bitter and sanguinary combat as the Western 
Front has ever witnessed, the Germans have been 
constantly defeated and driven from one defensive line 
after another and hurled from positions, — designed by 
the keenest military brains of the Empire and prepared 
through four years of unremitting labor, — which they 
considered invulnerable to assault. More disconcert- 
ing and disheartening than this, the enemy's best battle 
units of *'storm" and "shock" troops, including those 
vaunted and pampered favorites of the Kaiser, the 
Prussian Guards, powerless to stem the tide of battle, 
conquered at every step, have gone down into humiliate 
ing defeat before the crushing sledge-hammer blows 
of the youthful and inexperienced soldiers from beyond 



252 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

the seas. Only a few local successes here and there, 
temporary and fleeting, have relieved the monotony of 
repeated reverses suffered by the enemy. 

Only One Ray of Light 

In the miasma of black despair crowding upon Hun 
consciousness only one ray of light filters through : 
acceptance of the inevitable loss of the greater portion 
of the geographical bulwark upon which the very exist- 
ence of the German armies depends, and retirement 
beyond the Meuse with the hope of making a stand 
there against the American forces while favorable terms 
of peace are being negotiated. 

Americans Ready to Strike Again 

In the certainty of a general retreat by the enemy if 
his last line of defense, the Freya Stellung, be quickly 
pierced and the advance pushed forward toward the 
great objective of Sedan-Mezieres to cut the railroad 
there, preparations for a renewal of the battle by a 
general attack along the whole front are finished by 
daylight November 1 st, with the First American Army 
in position upon a general line extending from the 
Meuse at Clery-le-Grand westward running north of 
Bantheville, through the northern part of the Bois de 
Bantheville, south of St. Georges, south of Champi- 
gneulles, through the Bois des Loges, into the southern 
edges of the Bois de Bourgogne, northwest of Grandpre. 

Order of Battle 

With our artillery in position to deliver a tremendous 
concentration of fire in preparation for the infantry 
advance and with our battle units either refreshed and 
strengthened by their rest or replaced by others, the 
3rd Corps (with the 5th and 90th Divisions in line and 
the 3rd Division in reserve) is in the right wing with its 
flank upon the Meuse, the 5th Corps (with 89th and 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (third phase) 253 

2ncl Divisions m hne and the 1st and 42nd Divisions 
in reserve) m the center, and the 1st Corps (with the 
80th, 77th and 78th Divisions in line and the 82nd in 
reserve) in the left wing with its flank in the Bois de 
Bourgogne. 

Attack Launched 
With the immediate object of piercing the Freya 
Stellung and capturing the heights between Buznacy 
and Barricourt m the center, breaking the line of the 
Meuse on the right, and driving forward the thrust to 
out-flank the enemy in his formidable position in the 
Bois de Bourgogne and establishing contact with the 
Fourth French Army beyond it on the left, the attack 
is launched at 5:30 o'clock in the morning, after an 
intense artillery preparation of two hours which so 
overwhelms and unnerves the Germans with its 
crushing and destructive force that the enemy artillery 
is capable of only a feeble response and his infantry 
unable to offer successful resistance when assailed by 
our attacking forces pouncing upon them behind the 
rolling barrage. 

Resistance All Along Line Overcome 

Impelled by a driving force before which the enemy's 
demoralized and shattered legions find it impossible 
to stand, our attacking units storm and overrun the 
German defenses wherever encountered. 

In the center, the advance penetrates deeply for many 
miles into the enemy's territory, resulting in the capture 
in quick succession of St. Georges, Landres-et-St. 
Georges, Landreville, Chennery, Bayonville and Re- 
monville. Piercing the Freya Stellung at Bayonville, 
the 5th Corps, with a swift drive to the northeast, hurls 
the enemy from the heights of the Bois de Barricourt, 
a formidable natural obstacle which had blocked the 
way to Sedan. In the meantime, Andevanne a 



254 iVtKUSK-ARGONNE OKFENSIVE 



('Icry-I(>( jrand on the ngfil are seized by the 3r(l Corps, 
whil<; (!harni)ijrti<'ullcs and Iiiiccoiirt on ihc left arc 
r.ai)tMr<(l hy lh<; 1st Corps. Willini the first twenty- 
fonr hoins our forces have lal«^n over 3,)(X) prisoners 
helongin^ to the ten different German divisions, indi- 
catiii}^ the; (-xtent to which th(^ (enemy's iinils have 
become mlc^mmided and deinorah/.(id by the trcmeii- 
dons onslaught oi our troops. Within another twenty- 
four hours, fiuzancy is stormed and carried by the 
Ist C<)r|)s, thus wreslmg from the enemy one of his 
most imf)ortant railfieads. Fn sfung forward both east- 
ward and westward of the railh<*ad, our troops cai)ture 
the towns of I'osse and I larneconrt. 

Americans and French Join Hands 

With the center thus caved in upon a broad front, 
the d('veloi)inent of th(^ flanking movement U[)ou the 
caBlern edges of the I3ois de Bourgogne, in conjunction 
with the operations of the I'ourth I'rt'nch Army upon 
the western edges of the woods, }>ecomes possible and 
our exlreme left flank is driven northward swiftly, as 
our artillery pours a deluge of yperite gas shells down 
upon the enemy's woodland stronghold. In a vain 
(ffort to check lh<- thrust, (^nerny reinforcements are 
thrown against our troops m the vicinity of Hoult-aux- 
Bois, but they are quickly repulsed and the drive is 
continued with irresistible force; until the next day 
(Novem[)er 3rd), when our forces join hands with their 
French comrades, thrusting from the southwest, at 
Chatillon on the river Bar and sweep forward together, 
with the enemy in retreat toward I .e Chesne four miles 
away to the northwest. It is thus that the buttress of 
the Bois de Bourgogne, the last great German bul- 
wark guarding the vitally important Mezic'^res Sedan- 
(^.arignan line, falls into our hands. 



GENERAL STORY OF BATTLE (third phase) 255 



Ultimate Objective Now Within Reach 

Wjth our fighting front sweeping forward everywhere 
Into the enemy's territory at distances averaging from 
Iwelve to fifteen miles from the starting point of the 
tast phase, selected heavy batteries of artillery are rushed 
forward to fire upon the important railroad centers to 
the north, — Mezieres, Sedan, Carignan, Montmedy, 
Longuyon and Conflans, — ,and the ultimate objective 
of the whole great offensive is now within reach. 

Our Sledge-Hammer Blows Continue 

Meanwhile the sledge-hammer blows of the First 
Army continue, striking the enemy down wherever he 
attempts resistance. In repeated efforts to check our 
advance, division after division of enemy reinforce- 
ments, including several "shock* units, has been repuls- 
ed and hurled back in a defeat so demoralizing that the 
Germans, dismayed and disheartened, first give up 
their futile efforts at organized opposition and then 
break into a retreat which soon (November 4th) becomes 
a rout, compelling the use of motor truck.s to enable our 
troops to keep in touch with the fugitives in the pursuit. 

Confusion in Rear of Enemy's Lines 

Reports of our aviators indicate that in the rear areas, 
r;ehind the enemy's lines, all is confusion and disorgan- 
ization, with all the roads crowded with columns of 
rnilltary transport and troops in retreat northward, as 
well as northeastward across the line of the Meuse to- 
ward the wooded heights extending south -f^ast ward and 
north-westward from Stenay on the eastern side of 
the river. 

Operations Extended Across Meuse 

Lest the Germans, with artillery and machine guns 
in position upon these heights, menace our right flank, 
operations are quickly extended to the other sirle of the 



256 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

river by a crossing in force at Brieulles andDun-sur- 
Meuse effected in a brilliant maneuver by the right 
flank division of the 3rd Corps on November 5th. 
Dun and Milly are immediately captured and within 
twenty-four hours the wooded hills from Haraumont 
to the peak of Cote Saint Germain, north of Murvaux, 
are in our possession, thus swiftly thrusting the enemy 
from a menacing position on our right flank. With 
this successful start, the operation east of the Meuse 
gains ground daily, and, being joined in by American 
and French divisions of the 1 7th French Corps, coming 
up from the south, continues progressively upon a 
constantly widening front until the Germans are driven 
from the heights southeast of Stenay into the plain of the 
Woevre as the offensive draws toward its close. 

Pressing Attack Upon Heels of Retiring Enemy 

With the capture of Raucourt, followed by a rapid 
penetration several miles farther northward by the 1st 
Corps, the great railroad objective is brought within the 
increasingly destructive range of our artillery, as the 
main attack is pressed onward upon the heels of the 
retiring enemy, whose retreat delaying detachments of 
machine gunners, left behind to be sacrificed, attempt 
vainly to cover until they are literally overwhelmed and 
swept aside by our pursuing forces. 

Enemy's Last Stand 

It is only as the inevitable end of the German Armies 
in northern France approaches that the enemy makes 
a last final stand upon a semi -circular front marked by 
the towns of Bulson, Chehery and Omnicourt, only a 
few miles south of the scene of Germany's great victory 
over the French in 1870. It is, however, a forlorn 
hope and, by an ironical and retributive fate, doomed 
to failure. For, in a swift attack, the enemy is repulsed 



PARTS PLAYED BY DIVISIONS 257 

•■ — r ,r ■ . — .^ — . — ■ , — ■ . 

and driven northward in defeat, with our victorious 
troops in pursuit. 

Knocking at Gates of Sedan as Armistice Is Signed 

With most of our battle units across the Meuse from 
a point just south of Mouzon to Jametz, and with our 
advanced forces in possession of Wadehncourt, it is, 
indeed, fitting that three divisions (the veteran 1st 
Division, the famous 42nd *'Rainbow" Division, and 
the 77th "Liberty*' Division of New York City), repre- 
senting that triumvirate of Regular, National Guard 
and National Army troops making up our trmmphant 
hosts, are upon the forefront of battle of the First 
American Army, knocking at the gates of Sedan, as the 
armistice halts us in our sweeping advance, bringing 
the great offensive to a close, thus ending the Third 
and last Phase of America's Greatest Battle. 

PARTS PLAYED BY DIVISIONS 
Introductory 

In the followmg pages, the individual battle action 
of each division participating in the great offensive is 
briefly described. In order that they may be easily 
referred to, individual narratives appear according to 
the consecutive numerical designation of each division 
rather than in the chronological order in which they 
enter battle. 

Withdrawn for a period of rest and plunging back 
into battle again, eight divisions are twice engaged (1st, 
32nd, 42nd, 77th, 79th, 90th and 91st, and 90th), while 
one division (80th) participates in the offensive three 
successive times. Two divisions (37th and 91 st), with- 
drawn during the battle, are sent to Flanders to operate 
with the French. 

17 



258 MEUSE-'ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

1st DIVISION 

(Regular troops. Major-General Charles P. Summerall, 
Regular Army, of Florida, commanding until October 
13th; Brigadier General Frank E. Bamford, Regular 
Army, of Wisconsin, to October 23rd ; then Brigadier 
General Frank Parker, Regular Army, of South Carolina. 
For regiments and other units composing division, 
see page 579.) 

Going into Position 

In Army reserve, still resting after the strain of its 
brilliant participation in the reduction of the St. Mihiel 
Salient when the great offensive begins, the veteran 
1st Division is suddenly rushed forward to relieve the 
exhausted 35th Division w^hile the battle is still in its 
initial stages, going into position east of the Aire upon 
a front of tvy^o miles, extending eastv^ard from APRE- 
MONT to the south of MONTREBEAU WOODS, 
v^here the division is confronted by the enemy in the 
powerful defenses of EXERMONT, holding one of the 
strongest sections of the German lines between the 
Meuse and the Argonne. Immediately subjected 
to a heavy concentration of artillery fire, raking its 
sector as far back as the hills and ravines of CHAR- 
PE.NTRY, the division sustains numerous casualties 
from gas shells while "Digging in" and consolidating 
its lines in preparation for participation in a general 
attack to be launched by the 1st Corps October 4th, 
as the Second Phase of the battle begins. 

Division Attacks 

With its regiments (26th, 28th, 18th and 16th U. 
Infantry) in line from right to left, with one battalion 
of each upon the attacking front, the division goes 
forward at daybreak, launching an assault against ele- 
ments of four German divisions holding the BOIS de 
MONTREBEAU, in position in front of and in 
EXERMONT and along the farm road running north- 



1st division 259 



eastward through LA NEUVILLE-LE-COMTE 
FARM. 

Overcoming Fierce and Bitter Resistance 

Resistance, which for fierce bitterness and savage 
violence has seldom been equalled, is immediately 
encountered, but with grim determination and unflag- 
ging courage, — indeed, at the cost of losses that might 
well break the stamina of the best of troops, — the 
veteran Regulars drive the Germans from their posi- 
tions, capturing their first objectives within two hours, 
carrying their lines forward over the slopes of the 
formidable hill of MONTREFAGNE, north of 
Exermont. 

We Push Ahead 

Pushing on in the evening, covered by an artillery 
barrage and aided by tanks, the flanking regiment 
(26th Infantry) drives the enemy out of the BOIS de 
MONCY and, after a stiffly fought conflict, captures 
ARIETAL FARM on the right, as the rest of the line 
forges on over the open country on the left toward the 
Fleville-Romagne road. 

Harried by Enemy Aeroplanes 

In addition to desperate combat resistance, our troops 
are constantly harried by enemy aeroplanes machme- 
gunning them by day and bombing them by night, but, 
through the aid of the divisional artillery which concen- 
trates a heavy shell fire ahead of the infantry as they 
press on, all the immediate objectives are successively 
attained and consolidated upon a solid front which 
repeated counter-attacks by the Germans fail to force 
back. 

Progress Difficult 

Progress proves difficult, however, during the succeed- 
ing three days (October 6th-8th), but, reinforced by 



260 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

* -''"'' — — — ■'•' i« 

the 181st Brigade of the 91st Division, a spirited assault 
is launched October 9th by the Regulars of the 1 st Divi- 
sion upon LE PETIT BOIS and HILL 263, north of 
the BOIS de MONCY, in conjunction with an attack 
upon the BOIS de ROMAGNE by the 32nd Division 
on the right. In a desperate struggle which continues 
almost without respite throughout the day, during 
which the 1 st Engineers repulse a counter-attack against 
the right flank, the enemy is finallv driven from LE 
PETIT BOIS and hurled from HILL 263,— notable 
gains which the division consolidates the following day 
(October 10th) into a strong line extending westward 
from SOMMERANCE to the newly conquered posi- 
tions. 

Division Relieved 

With the resistance of the enemy constantly weaken- 
ing as a result of the determined and smashing on- 
slaughts of our battle-experienced Regulars, the division, 
owing to exhaustion and depletion of its fighting units, 
is relieved during the night of October 1 1th- 12th by the 
42nd ("Rainbow") Division, retiring to the reserve for 
rest and replacements. 

Achievement 

In seven days of constant battle, the 1 st Division has 
penetrated into German territory to a depth of five miles, 
wresting strong and formidable positions from the 
elements of eight different enemy divisions, including 
the famous First Prussian Guards, commanded by 
Prince Eitel Friedrich, capturing no less than 13 pieces 
of artillery and 43 machine guns and taking 28 officers 
and 1 ,379 men prisoners. 

Casualties 

With casualties of 33 officers and 816 men killed, 
132 officers and 5.856 men wounded, and 10 officers 



1st division 261 

and 1 ,705 men temporarily missing, totaling 1 75 officers 
and 8,377 men, the division has suffered the greatest 
loss sustained by any American division in the Meuse- 
Argonne offensive. 

Division Again Called to Battle 

Within three weeks after reaching reserve positions 
at the rear, the division, — with its units strengthened 
by replacements and refreshed by a rest, — is again on 
the way to the battle front. Relieving the 80th Division 
on the night of November 5th as the third and final 
phase of the great offensive is approaching its close, the 
division goes into position upon a front of two and a half 
miles extending from YONCQ in a south-easterly direc- 
tion to BEAUMONT, marching forward the following 
day to attack the enemy upon the line of the Meuse. 
In a swift advance, the division gains contact with the 
enemy retreating north-eastward, seizing the heights, 
extending from Autrecourt to Mouzon, overlooking 
the Meuse before nightfall. 

Rushed Toward Sedan 

While consolidating its gains during the night, the 
division receives rush orders from the 1st American 
Corps, sending it immediately upon the march norths 
westward across the sectors of the 42nd and 77th Divirr 
sions, on the left, over the Stonne-Chemery road, 
toward Sedan. Making rapid progress, in spite of 
darkness and mud, and notwithstanding its previous 
strenuous exertions, the division is within striking 
distance of Sedan as day breaks, encountering the enemy 
shortly afterwards in position upon a semi-circle of 
hills with the village of BULSON on the east, CHEHE- 
RY in the center and OMICOURT on the west. It is 
the last desperate stand of the Germans in defense of 
Sedan but, assailed once more, in this final little drama. 



r 262 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

by the Regulars who gained our first brilliant victory 
over them at Cantigny and contributed so greatly to 
the success of the great counter-thrust at Soissons by 
which Marshal Foch snatched the initiative from their 
hands, they soon give way and seek safety in flight, after 
putting forth only half-hearted and futile resistance. 

Pursuing Enemy 

In the pursuit, our troops sweep onward through the 
BOIS de LA OUEU, capturing ST. AIGNAN-sur- 
BAR, and continuing their swift advance they soon 
reach (November 8th) the last combat position of the 
division at the most extreme northern point reached 
by our forces in the great offensive, with the 16th In- 
fantry upon a front just south of SEDAN, the 28th 
Infantry on the hills between WADELINECOURT 
and CHEVENGES and the 26th Infantry on the hills 
northofST.AIGNAN. 

Brilliant Record 

With these two breathless operations, switching from 
one flank to the other of the great offensive, fighting by 
day and marching by night for four successive days, 
sustaining a loss of 2 officers and 66 men killed, 20 offi- 
cers and 834 men wounded, and 3 officers and 1 64 men 
temporarily missing, the 1 st Division brings to a close, 
as the armistice is signed, a record of over six months 
of almost continuous combat that constitutes one of the 
most brilliant pages of battle achievement, from begin- 
ning to end, in the annals of the Regular Army. 

2nd DIVISION 

(Regular Army and Marine Corps troops. Major 
General John A. Lejeune, Marine Corps, of Louisiana, 
commanding. For regiments and other units compos-^ 
ing division, see page 579.) 



2nd division 263 



Again on Firing Line 

Still pursuing its meteoric career of brilliant battle 
achievement so replete with kaleidoscopic shifts from 
one battlefield to another, — from Belleau Woods, 
Bouresches and Vaux to the fields of Soissons, from 
that scene of Marshal Foch*s counter-thrust, to the 
St. Mihiel Salient, thence to the fields of Champagne, — 
the 2nd Division, with only three weeks' rest after a 
notable share in the operations of the Fourth French 
Army west of the Argonne, finds itself facing the enemy 
once more in the battlelines of the First American 
Army upon the night of October 30th, in readiness for 
participation in the Third and Final Phase of the Meuse- 
Argonne Offensive. 

Mission 

Selected for the specific and difficult task of piercing 
the Kriemhilde Stellung and for the important general 
mission of driving the center of the First Army forward 
in a swift thrust into the enemy's territory beyond, the 
division is in position between Landres-et-St. Georges 
and St. Georges, prepared to wrest further laurels from 
Fame, as the artillery preparation comes down with 
crushing force upon the German defenses early in the 
morning of November 1 st. 

Satanic Barrage 

With the guns of the 1 st, 2nd and 67th Field Artillery 
Brigades sending forth a storm of high explosives and 
shrapnel, the machine guns of both the 2nd and 42nd 
Divisions spouting streams of deadly little missiles, and 
the Stokes Mortars and gas projectors of Company "D , 
1 st Gas Regiment, hurling gas shells and smoke bombs, 
a barrage combining practically all the destructive and 
death-dealing agencies known to the art of war is 
concentrated for two hours upon the positions in the 



264"^ MEUSE^AR GONNE OFFENSIVE 

immediate front against which the infantry assault is 
to be launched at daybreak. 

Awaiting "Zero Hour'* 

Meanwhile, with the - restrained expectancy, calm 
stoicism and quiet confidence born of their great expe- 
rience in battle, the "Doughboys** and Marines await 
"Zero Hour**. It is an old story to them, but one in 
which, without knowing it, they are now about to write 
the final chapter by a crowning achievement destined 
to close a brilliant record of battle exploit. 

They "Jump off* 

When the rolling barrage, with its protecting curtain 
of shells, descends before them and, pausing for a 
moment to allow them to jump into position behind it, 
wings its flight northward toward the enemy *s lines, 
they plunge into the attack, with the 23rd U.S. Infantry 
on the right, the 5th Marines in the center, the 6th 
Marines on the left, and the 9th U.S. Infantry, follow- 
ing behind, in close support. 

Beating Down All Resistance 

With their characteristic dash and intrepidity, they 
assail the enemy *s formidable positions and, beating 
down such resistance as the survivors of the deadly 
bombardment are able to offer, drive straight through 
the Kriemhilde Stellung, whose shattered defenses they 
soon leave behind them in a swift rush which sweeps 
their attacking lines through and over a maze of trenches ^ 
wire entanglements and machine gun nests in the little 
woodland strongholds of the BOIS des HAZOIS and 
the BOIS de TEPASSE, just north of Landres-et-St. 
Georges. 

We Make Rapid Progress 

In its very impetuosity, the attack crushes the oppo- 
sition of the enemy, and with their thrust now well on 



2nd division 265 



its way beyond the system of defenses capable of check- 
ing them, the veterans of the Infantry and Marine 
brigades make rapid progress over the open hills and 
valleys, carrying everything before them. In quick 
succession, the villages of LANDREVILLE, CHEN- 
NERY and BAYONVILLE are captured and with an 
advance that experiences scarcely a pause the lines of 
the division are established upon the hillslopes over a 
mile beyond by nightfall. 

In fulfiling so magnificently the mission for which 
it was selected, the division has, with a penetration of 
the Kriemhilde Stellung and an advance of five miles 
into the enemy's territory beyond, made the most 
remarkable first day's progress of any of our divisions 
in the attack, capturing, besides, no less than 1 ,300 pris- 
oners and 75 pieces of artillery. 

Salient Formed 

It is soon discovered, however, that the advance, in 
its swiftness and depth, has carried the front lines of 
the division into a deep salient, projecting northward 
for some distance beyond the rest of the battle-front, 
with the sides exposed upon both flanks, especially 
toward the west on the left, where the flanking division 
has been held back by violent opposition in the woods 
south of Alliepont. With characteristic enterprise and 
promptness, detachments of the division are sent west- 
ward to seize and hold the woods north and west of 
Siviy-les-Buzancy as flank protection during the night. 

Advance Continues 

In view of a change in plans, which diverted the 2nd 
Division from a contemplated attack upon the strong- 
hold of Buzancy, some delay is experienced in the 
resumption of the advance in the morning (November 
2nd), With a late start and because of increasing 



266 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

opposition, the progress made is slower than upon the 
first day, but, nevertheless, the Stenay-Buzancy road 
is crossed and the BOIS de FOLIE is occupied before 
dark, while during the night, as the forward movement 
is continued, the whole division makes an advance 
northeastward through the woods, seizing positions 
along the road running from Fosse to Nouart. 

Sanguinary and Moving Conflict 

Meanwhile, in spite of the rapidity'' with which his 
forces are bemg consumed, the enemy, seriously alarm- 
ed by the swiftness and intrepidity with which his lines 
have been pierced and a deep salient driven into his 
territory within two days, throws strong reinforcements 
of several divisions into the path of the Second, so that 
as the "Doughboys'* and Marines jump into the attack 
at 6 o'clock the following morning (November 3rd) 
desperate resistance immediately develops into a san- 
guinary and moving conflict waged over the rolling 
hills and little valleys of the country north-westward of 
the Fosse-Nouart road. 

In Deadly Combat 

In possession of numerous farms, whose strong stone 
houses, barns and garden avails harbor concealed nests 
of machine guns, capable of sweeping with their deadly 
cross-fire the whole terrain over which the advance is 
made, the enemy has a temporary advantage, but grad- 
ually that wonderful spirit of the Second which has 
always won before, which has always surmounted all 
obstacles however difficult, carries the * 'Doughboys" 
and Marines on, in spite of their losses, sweeping over 
the hills masters of the field, — carries them on through 
Woodlands and ravines and over the fortified farms, 
until, driving the Germans before them, they find time 
for a breathing spell upon the ridges south of Vaux- 
en-Dieulet, as the conquered fugitives retire to another 



2nd division 267 



line of defense upon the southern edges of the BOIS de 
BELVAL, some distance to the northeast. 

Our Artillery Does Fine Work 

With remarkable speed, inspired by a devoted anxiety 
to be of aid to their Infantry and Marine comrades, the 
hghter pieces of the field artillery are brought forward 
by straining gun crews, and, being placed in position, 
are soon blazing forth in thunderous unison with a 
concentration of fire of such intense fury that the enemy 
is driven to cover and rendered incapable of successful 
resistance when our veteran troops go forward and seize 
the German lines in the late afternoon. 

Daring Enterprise 

With the enemy's positions in its possession as night 
comes on, the division finds itself confronted by the 
darkness of a dense forest (BOIS de BELVAL) travers- 
ed, according to maps, by a single woodland road 
running straight northward over the hills to Beaumont. 
It proves to be a real inspiration, — this innocent and 
simple little sylvan path through the forest, with its 
possibilities for a lightning-like stroke. It tempts the 
directing minds of the veteran battle unit into a daring 
enterprise, fraught v/ith danger, it is true, to those 
chosen to carry it out, but so alluring in the possibility, 
nay probability, of success that it is overpowering, and 
a glorified raid, a bold "Coup de main", as certain to 
strike terror to the enemy as it is to send the mounting 
pride of the division up several notches higher, is 
decided upon. In its very boldness and danger, the 
maneuver makes an appeal to the spirit of adventure 
predominant in every battle- experienced unit of the 
division. With the Infantry, Marines and Field 
Artillery all vying one with the other in friend- 
ly competition for the hazardous mission, selec- 



268 MEUSE--ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

tions are difficult to make, but the choice finally falls 
upon a battalion of the 9th U.S. Infantry and a battalion 
of the 15th U.S. Field Artillery, which make instant 
preparation for a swift night thrust straight through 
the German lines into the territory four or five miles 
beyond to assail the enemy at daybreak from the rear. 

Night Auspicious 

It would be impossible to select a more auspicious 
night for a bold stroke. With the very elements con- 
spiring to the success of the enterprise, the start is made 
in the midst of a terrific rainstorm crashing down 
through the trees into the Stygian darkness of the forest 
with a deafening roar, deadening all other sounds, 
shutting out the rumble of moving artillery, the clank 
of accoutrements, and all other noises inevitable among 
marching troops. With the Germans asleep in their 
dugouts or under cover from the elements, lulled into 
a sense of security by the storm, certain that no one 
would disturb them on such a night as this, discovery 
is only a remote possibility. Indeed, knowing exactly 
what they are about, the advantage lies with our ven- 
turesome troops, as, in the event of discovery, the conse- 
quences are likely to be more disastrous to the enemy 
than to them. 

Through Storm and Darkness 

Marching in a column of twos, preceded by advance 
guards, with the guns of the artillery following^behind, 
protected by infantry detachments in front and rear, 
with the rain pouring down in torrents upon them, the 
daring adventurers move rapidly northward through 
the dark and storm -beset forest over the little woodland 
road toward BEAUMONT. 

Making Captives In Silence 

Presently the enemy's front lines are passed and as 



2nd division 269 



progress in the forest is made, squads and groups steal 
stealthily away from the column and groping their way 
in the darkness to enemy positions here and there along 
the route, pounce upon unsuspectmg Germans in their 
dugouts and defenses and capture Hun machine gun- 
ners asleep beside their silent weapons. Dragging 
their prisoners, — in bewildered silence, — along with 
them, our troops press rapidly on, adding more cap- 
tives to their train as ground northward is gained. 
Finally, just before midnight, a strong reserve line at 
LA FORGE andLATUILERIEFARMSis reached ; 
here too, the Germans are surprised in their sleep and 
captured. 

Enemy, Astonished, Is Faced by Americans 

With their goal thus gained and their hazardous 
mission thus accomplished, our adventurous troops 
spend the remainder of the night working like Trojans, 
strengthening positions naturally strong and rendering 
them impregnable to attack, so that morning finds them 
in possession of a line which commands and threatens 
BEAUMONT. With daybreak the enemy is astonish- 
ed to find Americans firmly established upon a solid 
little front almost four miles behind his main defensive 
lines upon which he had depended to delay our advance 
while making good his retreat across the Meuse. 

Threatened With Disaster, Eneniy Retires 

Reinforcements are rushed forward to the aid of the 
night-raiders lest an effort be made to dislodge them. 
Immediately afterwards the whole division moves north- 
ward with a swift advance. *It is, however, unopposed. 
For the enemy speedily retires upon both flanks, threat- 
ened, as he is, with disaster, if he attempts to remain 
m the forest. 

With opposition against them removed by the bold 



270 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

stroke of the troops of the Second, the flanking divisions 
move rapidly forward on the right and left, establish- 
ing themselves upon the same line by nightfall 
(November 4th). 

Daring Feat Repeated 

Meanwhile, the possibility of a repetition of the bold 
stroke of the night before proves too alluring to be 
resisted. Darkness has scarcely fallen when the 3rd 
Brigade (9th and 23rd Infantry) is launched upon 
another night thrust. It is equally successful and by 
daylight (November 5th) a swift advance carries the 
left flank of the brigade around the outskirts of BEAU- 
MONT for the capture of LETANNE, on the Meuse, 
while the right flank sweeps into possession of the 
northern edges of the FORET de JAULNAY, on a 
westward bend of the river at POUILLY. 

With the object of the maneuver attained, detach- 
ments of the 23rd Infantry go back and mop up BEAU- 
MONT, while other troops of the brigade consolidate 
the positions gained on the western banks of the Meuse. 

Enemy Again Caught Unawares 

In this swift thrust, as in the first bold stroke, the 
enemy has been caught unawares, many prisoners being 
made, including an entire platoon of machine gunners 
captured while in line undergoing inspection prepara- 
tory to a change of position to a point already in pos- 
session of our troops. 

Germans* Efforts Unavailing 

While desperate attemps are made here and there along 
the front to hold our forc^ back to protect the general 
retreat of the German troops, the enemy's efforts are 
expiring ones and of no avail with his vast system of 
formidable defenses everywhere shattered and broken^ 
and so, in the remaining days of the Third and Final 



2nd division 271 



Phase of the great offensive, the Germans are driven 
rapidly north and east to and beyond the Meuse upon 
the entire battlefront of the First Army. 

Local Operations and Mopping Up 

While flanking divisions are still forging ahead on 
the right and left, the "Doughboys" and Marines of 
the Second continue local operations in their advanced 
sector on the Meuse, mopping up the FORET de 
JAULNAY and penetrating into the village of POUIL- 
LY on November 5th, clearing skulking enemy detach- 
ments out of the woodlands of BOIS de I'HOSFICE 
and BOIS de FOND de LI MON during the night of 
the same day, and occupying the town of VILLEMON- 
TRY on November 6th. 

Crossing The Meuse 

From the heights east of the Meuse enemy artillery 
and machine guns maintain a constant fire across the 
river upon our positions, but the division holds its 
ground upon the western banks resolutely for the three 
succeeding days (November 6th-'9th) while prepara- 
tions are made for a crossing. When these are com- 
pleted, the 2nd Engineers throw foot bridges across the 
stream in front of BOIS-de-rHOSPICE and immediate- 
ly thereafter, on November 1 0th, a crossing is effected 
by two battalions of the 5th Marines, accompanied by 
two machine gun companies. While assailed at once 
by heavy fire from the heights, they succeed in intrench- 
ing themselves on the east bank before nightfall. 
Plunging Into Final Operations 
Following with other units at daylight (November 
1 1th) the division plunges into its final operations, and 
spreading out to the north, south and east, soon wrests 
its last positions,— the village of WARMONTERNE 
and the fortified farms of SENEGAL and VIGNL- 



272 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

■ — — — "■ '~ 

RON, — from the enemy. When hostilities cease at 
1 1 o'clock in the morning, though the "Doughboys * 
and Marines have only set foot across the river two 
hours before, they are in possession of a bridgehead on 
the east side of the Meuse, two miles in width and from 
one to two miles in depth, as the armistice brings the 
great offensive— AND THE WAR— to a close. 

Brilliant Battle Association of Regulars and 

Marines 

It is thus that the 2nd Division sustains its wonder- 
ful reputation for brilUiant battle achievement up to 
the very end and it is thus that a remarkably successful 
battle association of Regulars and Marines comes to 
a close. 

In addition to a succession of brilliant exploits, con- 
tributing so greatly to the success of the final phase of 
the great offensive, the division has penetrated into 
enemy territory to a depth of eighteen miles, taking 
1,712 prisoners, including 54 officers, and capturing 
1 05 pieces of light and heavy artillery, 1 7 trench mor- 
tars, 500 machine guns, and many hundreds of rifles. 

Casualties 

In its last whirlwind operations, extending over a 
brief period of eleven days, the division has suffered a 
loss of 1 1 officers and 395 men killed, 82 officers and 
3,290 men wounded, 3 officers and 85 men gassed, 
1 officer and 435 men temporarily missing, making up 
a total list of casualties which is the greatest suffered 
by any of our battle units in the war. 

3rd DIVISION 

(*' Marne " Division) 
(Regular troops. Major General Beaumont B. Buck, 
Regular Army, of Texas, commanding until October 
23rd ; then Brigadier General Preston Brown, Regular 



3rd division 273 



Army, of Kentucky. For reeriments and other units 
composing division, see page 579.) 

Summoned to the Front 

Plodding forward for four days over the desolate and 
devastated area of the battlefield in the wake of the great 
attack, performing the tiring, though important, mission 
of corps reserve, constantly spurred on, however, by 
the ever-present prospect of being called to combat at 
any moment, the 3rd ("Mame") Division receives the 
anxiously-awaited summons which sends it to the front 
on September 30th to relieve the 79th Division as the 
First Phase of the offensive is drawing toward its close. 

Division "Jumps off*' 

From a "Jump-oflF" line on the NANTILLOIS- 
CIERGES road, with the 4th Infantry on the right and 
the 7th Infantry on the left, the veterans of Chateau 
Thierry plunge into the attack as the Second Phase 
begins on October 4th, wHh the BOIS des OGONS and 
the BOIS de CUNEL as their immediate objectives 
and the heights east of Romagne beyond as their prin- 
cipal goal. Launched without any previous artillery 
preparation, though accompanied by a rolling barrage, 
the attack meets with savage resistance from the very 
beginning. 

Put to Severe Test 

With numerous hills and wooded ridges breaking 
the landscape, all converted into local strongpoints, 
connected with one another by powerful trenches, 
mounting machine guns, one-pounders, and light field 
artillery in positions commanding a perfect sweep of 
frontal and flanking cross-fire over the whole terrain, 
the enemy possesses advantages in the defense which 
put to a severe test even such an admirable offensive 

18 



274 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

spirit as that of the battle-tried Regulars of the 3rd 
Division. 

Progress Halted 

In the face of an almost decimating fire they persist 
in the attack and, sweeping over HILL 236, finally 
storm and capture the southern slopes of the wooded 
HILL 250, south of BOISdeCUNEL, but so formida- 
ble and deadly is the opposition everywhere encoun- 
tered that further progress during the day is impossible. 

Attack Resumed 

Subjected, though they are, to a terrific artillery 
bombardment and an intense machine gun fusillade 
throughout the night, the veterans of the Marne resume 
the attack at daylight (October 5th) and by persistent 
efforts succeed in wresting the northern slopes of HILL 
250 from the enemy and gaining a foothold upon the 
western edges of BOIS des OGONS, giving them 
positions from which to launch an attack the following 
day in concert with the two flanking divisions (80th on 
the right and 32nd on the left) in a turning movement 
intended to accomplish the investment of ROMAGNE, 
a stronghold which has proved invulnerable to direct 
assault. 

Fierce Fight A Draw 

However, so strongly fortified and skillfully defended 
by machine guns and artillery is every hilltop, wood- 
land, farm and hamlet that, even though aided by the 
divisional artillery with a heavy concentration of shells 
upon the enemy's positions, the attack yields only slight 
progress. While the 4th Infantry succeeds, by infil- 
tration of small groups, in penetrating into BOIS de 
CUNEL, and the 7th Infantry in reaching the 
TRENCH de LA MAMELLE, running back into the 
enemy's fourth line of defense, the KriemhildeStellung, 



3rd division 275 



so savage and well organized is the resistance of the 
Germans that our advanced detachments are withdrawn 
under the cover of darkness to await daylight| for a 
renewal of the operation toward Romagne. Repeated 
attacks launched upon the following day result in an 
almost continuous struggle, furiously pressed but sav- 
agely opposed, with heavy losses upon both sides, and 
while Individual gains are accomplished here and there 
by companies or battalions, the combat is upon the 
whole practically a draw, giving way as darkness ap- 
proaches to a terrific artillery duel waged throughout 
the night between our own and the enemy's guns. 

Weakened and Exhausted Troops Relieved 

Relieved during the night of October 7th-8th, the 
5th Brigade, weakened by losses and exhausted by its 
heroic efforts. Is withdrawn to the division reserve for 
a brief period of rest, being replaced by the 6th Brigade 
(30th and 38th U. S. Infantry). 

Attacked, Our Men Strike Back With Success 

OWhIle taking their places in the front lines, the reliev- 
ing troops are swept by blasts of machine gun fire and 
assailed by a pelting storm of artillery, but, undaunted, 
they launch reconnoitring attacks at daylight which 
result, during the day, in developing the enemy's posi- 
tions with such accuracy as to impart success to an 
assault upon the following day (October 9th), delivered 
in conjunction with the divisions on the right and left 
upon the whole front of the 5th Corps. In this attack 
the brigade goes through everything in its front, pierc- 
ing the Kriemhilde Stellung, taking the BOIS de 
CUNEL, the FARM-de-LA-MADElEINE, and the 

**pill"boxes" to the north, carrying the left flank of the 
division to a point east of Romagne, as the 32nd 



276 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSiVF 



Division sweeps up on the west, in the turning 
movement to encircle the town. 

Wearing Out Enemy 

While slight progress is made during the following 
three days in the face of desperate resistance inspired 
by the loss of valuable positions, results more important 
than mere gains of ground are achieved. For our 
persistent attacks are gradually consuming the enemy *s 
forces, — two German regiments have already melted 
away and, according to statements of prisoners, two ,j 
others, thrown in to oppose the division, are approach- 1 
ing extmction. , 

Division Shifts Its Battleline 

Meanwhile, in a re-align rnent of the fighting front 
rendered necessary by the withdrawal (night of October 
1 2th- 1 3th) of flanking units, the 3rd Division, hampered 
by a heavy rain and thick fog and under a constant 
storm of enemy artillery, shifts its battleline eastward 
into the sector of the 3rd Corps, going into position i 
upon a four-mile front from the Romagne-Cunel road 
to a point within half a mile of the Meuse, with all of its 
four regiments (38th, 7th, 30th and 4th) in line from 
right to left. 

Enemy Counter-Attack Repulsed 

Scarcely have the new t>ositions been taken when the 
enemy opens up a heavy bombardment upon our whole 
front immediately west of the Meuse, as a prelude to: 
a strong counter-attack which is launched against the 
3rd Division in the afternoon (October 13th). Deter- 
mined though the Germans are and spirited though 
their attack is, they are everywhere repulsed, — as they 
were repulsed by the same troops upon the Marne, — 
and the line remains intact. 



3rd division 211 



We Retaliate 

In retaliation, the whole 3rd Corps, after an artillery 
preparation of four and a half hours, hurls an assault 
the following morning against the enemy's entire flank 
west of the Meuse. In this attack, it is the mission of 
the 3rd Division to hold its ground, as the 5th Division 
passes through its lines for a drive toward Bantheville, 
and then to follow up the attack, mopping up the wood- 
land strongpoints of BOIS de LA PULTIERE and 
BOIS des RAPPES, north of Cunel. While the attack, 
fiercely resisted by the enemy, develops slowly, before 
nightfall the 3rd Division penetrates into both of the 
woods with its left and center and advances its lines 
well into the BOIS de FORET on the right. 

Savage Fighting 

Little progress is made or attempted during the next 
five days, — a period of continuous machine gun and 
artillery activity on both sides, — but on October 
20th the BOIS GLAIRS CHEiNES, just east of the 
BOIS des RAPPES, is captured by the 7th Infantry 
and the 6th Engineers. Immediately afterwards, the 
enemy returns with a savage counter-attack before 
which our troops retire, but at 6 o'clock in the evening 
the woods are again in our possession, as our troops 
attack and drive the Germans out. 

Constant Fighting 

For the next seven days, — in a little theater of conflict 
of its own, bounded on the east by the Meuse, from 
BrieuUes to Glery-le-Grand, and sweeping back west- 
ward toward Gunel and Romagne, cut up by creeks 
and ravines, dotted by hills, broken by woodlands. — 
platoons, companies, battalions and regiments, carry 
on constant operations against the enemy, storming 
and capturing strong positions, charging machine gun 



278 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

nests, repelling counter-attacks and launching counter- 
attacks of their own in return, gaining ground here and 
there against stubborn resistance, and so, slowly but 
surely defeating the Germans in detail, the whole region 
is at length cleared and won by the "Marne" Division. 

Division Relieved 

Battle-worn and tired, weakened by losses and 
exhausted by its efforts, the division is relieved during 
the night of October 26th-27th as the Second Phase of 
the great offensive is drawing toward its close, being 
withdrawn to the 3rd Corps Reserve for a period of 
rest and recuperation. 

Casualties 

The command has suffered a loss of 5 1 officers and 
1,218 men killed, 266 officers and 6,282 men wounded, 
and 5 officers and 522 men temporarily missing. 
Achievement 

In constant battle for almost a month, marked by 
vicious and savage resistance and violent conflict, with 
1 ,220 prisoners, 33 pieces of artillery and 980 machine 
guns to its credit, the "Marne Division" has, by its 
gallantry and battle achievement, added immeasurably 
to the prestige gained in the brilliant exploit on the 
banks of the Marne, which contributed so decisively 
to the defeat of the Fifth German Offensive in July. 

4th DIVISION 

C*Ivy" Division) 
(Regular troops. Major General John L. Hines, 
Regular Army, of West Virginia, commanding until 
October 16th ; Major General George H. Cameron, 
Regular Army, of Illinois, October 16th-23rd ; Briga- 
dier General Benjamin W. Poore, Regular Army, of 
Massachusetts, October 23rd-November 6th ; Major 
General Mark L. Hersey, Regular Army, of Maine, 



4th division 279 



from November 6th. For regiments and other units 
composing division, see page 579,) 

Battlefront at ''Zero Hour" 

With the unique distinction of being the only battle 
unit of Regular Army troops to participate in the 
launching of the great o^ensive when the battle begins, 
the 4th Division, forming the left flank of the 3rd Corps, 
goes forward at "Zero Hour" upon a front of one mile 
and a half, between BETHINCOURT and MALAN- 
COURT, with the 80th Division on the right and the 
79th Division on the left. 

Mission 

In the general object to be accomplished by the 
Corps, it is the special mission of the division to punch 
through the Hindenburg Line for a drive straight 
northward to a point on the westvv^ard sweeping bend 
of the Meuse, north of BRIEULLES. It is a task full 
of stern and complex difficulties, involving a swift 
advance of seven or eight miles over a terrain of rolling 
hills, little valleys and ravines, traversed by the three 
great defensive belts of concrete and steel which, togeth- 
er with countless smaller intersecting and connecting 
lines and mazes of trenches and wire entanglements 
in between, make up a formidable defense system 
defended by the enemy's best troops, — a battle pano- 
rama commanded everywhere by skillfully concealed 
and well protected machine guns and trench mortars 
and dominated by the frowning heights of Montfaucon 
on the left and the artillery-lined ridges east of the 
Meuse on the right. 

Plunging Into The Attack 

It is a prospect that might quicken momentary doubts 
in less experienced troops than the Regulars of the 
Fourth, but with the knowledge gained in their parti- 



MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



cipation in the reduction of the Marne Salient and the 
spirit that carried them fighting to the banks of the 
Vesie, they plunge into the attack as the roiling barrage 
sweeps on ahead of them, and, ploughing through the 
marshy ground of FORGhS BfiOUK, pounce down 
upon the enemy's first line of defense before its defend- 
ers are able to organize successful resistance. In the 
dense fog^ liaison is difhcult to maintam. Pausing 
only long enough to establish contact between their 
attacking units, they go on, and with a swift advance 
over the hills toward CUISY, they are soon assailing 
• the enemy's second line. Here the Germans, with 
more time to rally to defense, offer sharp resistance, 
especially with machine guns sweeping the terrain 
from positions upon the ridges and hills. It is no new 
experience to the Regulars of the Fourth, however 
and, though they sufler losses, they launch swift little 
flanking and encircling maneuvers by companies and 
battalions which carry the German defenses^ as well as 
the village of CUiSY, — ^and the Hindenburg Line and 
tiie Hagen Stellung have both been pierced. 

Pressing Forward 

la front of them now lies the Volker Stellung, rock- 
nbbed upon the heights of Montfaucon to the west, 
bat, undaunted, they press forward against increasing 
opposition and, carrying everything before them, sweep 
the right flank of the division into the north-eastern 
part ot the BOiS de S£PTSARG£S, gaining the Corps 
objective and covering half the distance of their drive 
toward BRIEULLES shortly after noon. 

Division Compelled to '*Dig In'* 

With the left flank *'in the air", exposed to a storm 
of artillery ^and a withering enfilade fire of machine 
guns from the strong hold of Montfaucon, whose for- 



4th division 281 



midable heights prove invulnerable to the direct attacks 
on the west, the division 'Digs in" to consolidate and 
hold its gams for the day, as the adjoining divisions 
battle to bring their lines forward upon both Hanks. 

Engineers Do Gallant Work 

In the meantime* the 4th Engineers, in order to 
insure artillery aid for their comrades in the attack, 
have worked with devoted gallantry under continuous 
enemy shell fire for over twenty-four hours, to build up 
a complete road f rom £SNi:JS to MALANCOURT, 
across the wreckage of "iS[o Man's Land ", using 40,000 
sandbags in the task, but so swift has the advance of 
the infantry been that the batteries of the divisional 
artillery have been unable to get their guns forward to 
points within elective supporting range behind the 
attacking lines. 

Drive Resumed 
In spite of the lack of artillery support, the drive is 
resumed early the next morning (September 27th) with 
a smashing attack delivered upon the whole divisional 
front, which carries the 47th Infantry through the 
BOlS de BRIEULLES on the right and the. 39th In- 
fantry even farther to the southern edges of the BOIS 
de FAYS on the left. 

One of Our Regiments Falls Back 

In its advanced and exposed position on the left, 
the 39th Infantry suffers heavy casualties* so that, 
assailed by vicious counter-attacks, the regiment is 
compelled, before the day is over, to fall back upon 
Hill 293, drawing its exposed flank sharply back to the 
NANTILLOIS-BRIEULLES road. 

Enemy Resists Repeated Attacks 

With his own front, buttressed by the Kriemhilde 
Stellung, the enemy, now well organized for formidable 



282 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

defense, resists repeated efforts to break his line* Little 
progress is therefore made during the following two 
days and the 7th Brigade, being weakened by losses, 
is relieved by the 8th Brigade (58th and 59th Infantry) 
in the forward battlelines. 

Captured Battery Turned on Enemy 

Meanwhile, a captured battery of 77 's is pressed 
into service near CUISY and turned upon its former 
owners, firing 10,000 rounds of their own ammunition 
into the Germans, — thus enablmg the divisional artil- 
lery to bridge over a temporary shortage of ammunition 
due to the difficulty of bringing it forward across the 
shattered battlefield under the enemy's constant shell 
fire from the eastern heights of the Meuse. 

Succeeding Under Difficulties 

In an effort to advance the battlelines, September 
29th, the 8th Brigade, though subjected to an almost 
decimating cross-fire of machine guns and deluged 
with high explosive and gas shells whenever a forward 
move is made, succeeds in gaining some ground in 
front of the NANTILLOIS-BRIEULLES road on 
the left and in winning the northern fringes of the 
BOIS de BRIEULLES for its own on the right as the 
First Phase of the great offensive ends. 

Preparing for Renewal of Battle 

In preparation for a renewal of the battle, the division 
spends the first three days of October consolidating its 
lines and repelling spiteful minor counter-attacks. In 
the interim, the divisional artillery maintains only an 
intermittent fire upon the enemy's positions in order 
to conserve its supply of ammunition, so difficult to 
bring forward at night in the darkness;|over roads 
congested with traffic and knee-deep in mud. 



4th division 283 



Fight Renewed With Vigor 

When the Second Phase of the great offensive is 
commenced with a general attack upon the whole army 
front on the morning of October 4th, a swift drive 
from the NANTiLLOIS-BRlEULLES road straight 
northward for the BOIS-de-FAYS is launched by the 
4th Division for the purpose of advancing the left flank 
up to a line parallel with the right flank. Strong 
machine gun opposition is immediately encountered, 
but, accepting losses that are inevitable, the 38th In- 
fantry, supported by the 59th Infantry, sweeps diago- 
nally over the rolling ridges from the narrow creek 
valley of WASSIEU and, pushing into the BOIS-de- 
FAYS, drives the enemy from the woods, then across 
the wagon road between CUNEL and BRIEULLES, 
and into the BOIS-de-FORET, achieving an advance 
of several miles. 

Division Falls Back 

In this swift drive, penetrating and, in places passing 
beyond, positions upon which the Kriemhilde Steliung 
is anchored, the front of the division has, however, 
been driven into a deep local salient, whose exposed 
flanks are soon assailed by the enemy with such intense 
machine-gun fire that a withdrawal for a short distance 
to the south becomes necessary, the battlelines being 
established in the ravine of FOND-de-VILLE-aux- 
BOIS on the left, along the northern edges of BOIS-de- 
FAYS in the center, and swinging sharply back to the 
BOIS-de-BRIEULLES on the right. 

Enemy Repeatedly Counter-Attacks in Vain 

While this retirement serves to consolidate the lines, 
the division front still occupies a salient, especially 
pronounced in the BOIS-de-FAYS at the center. It 
is an obviously dangerous position, but it is, never- 



284 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



theless, tenaciously and heroically held by the division 
for the ensuing five days against repeated vicious and 
determined counter-attacks in which the enemy is, in 
each instance, decisively repulsed. 

We Attack Again 

Meanwhile, the enemy, constantly supported by 
heavy artillery fire from the heights east of the Meuse, 
holds positions in BRIEULLiiS and trenches south 
of the village which have withstood all direct assaults, 
but since he must be driven from this point in order 
to effect a crossing of the river, an encircling maneuver, 
with a drive through the Kriemhilde Steilung to the 
west, is decided upon as likely to yield results. 

In conjunction with flanking units, an attack is 
launched by the 39th Infantry from the front line 
positions of the division in the ravine of FOND-de- 
VILLE-aux-BOIS late upon the afternoon of October 
9th. 

Our Men Compelled to Retire 

Progress is made in the initial stages of the maneuvers 
but a bombardment of gas shells is soon brought down 
upon our troops, releasing among them dense clouds 
of vapor that poison and blind them. With such 
protection as gas masks afford and spurred on by an 
almost unconquerable spirit, they persist in the efforts 
to gain ground forward, but, as the bombardment of 
both gas and high explosive shells continues, it becomes 
beyond human power to go on and they are compelled 
to abandon the attack and retire to their lines. 

We Resmme Attack 

In spite of this reverse, the attack is resumed in the 
morning, in cooperation with troops of the 5th Corps 
on the left, and, as the advance is aided by a protecting 
barrage laid down by the divisional artillery, noon finds 



4th division 285 



our attackinsr forces m possession of the small woods 
north of the CUNEL-BRIEULLES road, while m the 
afternoon the leadiner units succeed once more in pene- 
trating into the BOIS-de-FORET. 

Determined to Win 

While it proves impossible to hold this advanced 
point in the face of powerful and deadly resistance and 
the line is withdrawn to the smaller woods at the rear 
for the night, the attack is promptly and vigorously 
resumed at daybreak (October 1 1 th). Determined to 
regain their lost ground, our troops launch a drive 
through the BOIS-de-FORET, which carries the lines 
of the 8th Brigade through the woods by noon and its 
patrols to the crest of HILL 299, nearly half a mile 
beyond, by evening. Here the 8th Brigade, having 
accomplished its mission against almost insuperable 
odds, is relieved upon the following day (October 12th). 

Division Relieved 

Remaining in position with one brierade (7th) upon 
the line of the Meuse.— BOIS-de-la-COTE-de-MO- 
RET-TETON TRENCH-BOIS-de-FAYS,--as the 
encircling movement around BRIEULLES is continued 
and until the village is surrounded on the south, west 
and north, the division is relieved upon October 19th, 
and withdrawn to the Corps reserve for the remainder 
of the offensive. 

Achievement 

In the face of the most savage and bitter resistance, 
these Regular troops have stormed and carried success- 
ively four of the enemy's most powerful lines of defense, 
— the Hindenburg, Hagen, Volker and Kriemhilde 
Stellungs, — -taking 2.402 prisoners, including 71 offi- 
cers, and capturing 44 pieces of 'artillery and 28 machine 
guns, — ^writing thereby another glorious page into its 



286 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



record of achievement previously won in the Marne 
and St. Mihiel Salients. 

5th DIVISION 

(Regular troops. Major General John E. McMahon, 
Regular Army, of New York, commanding until 
October 23rd ; then, Major General Hanson E. Ely, 
Regular Army, of Iowa. For regiments and other 
units composing division, see page 579.) 

Going Into Position 

With the great offensive still at its height, as the 
forces of the First American Army are preparing to 
assail the enemy's fourth line of defense, the Kriem- 
hilde Stellung, the 5th Division, after a notable partici- 
pation in the reduction of the St. Mihiel Salient, is 
rushed to the battlelines to relieve the 80th Division in 
front of CUNEL, going into position during the night 
of October 1 1th- 12th to prepare for a general attack to 
be delivered upon the morning of October 1 4th. 

Facing Difficult Operations 

In the immediate front lie positions which have resist- 
ed repeated assaults, still held by an enemy seeking des- 
perately to prevent the capture, particularly at this 
point, of his last great defensive line in order to save 
what still remains to him of the geographical bulwark 
upon which the existence of the German armies depends. 

With the mission of making a straight northward 
drive to pierce the Kriemhilde Stellung and to capture 
CUNEL and the woodland strongpoints t)f the BOIS 
de la PULTIERE and. the BOIS des RAPPES, involv- 
ing an advance of several miles over a sector flanked on 
the left by the open hills and ravines sloping up toward 
the fortified villages of Romagne and Bantheville and 
exposed on the right to artillery fire^ from the> heights 
east of the Meuse, the 5th Division faces a prospect of 



5th division 287 



difficult operations certain to develop the most formid- 
able and deadly resistance of which the enemy is 
capable. 

Plunging Into Storm of Shell Fire 

In preparation for the infantry assaujt a heavy ar- 
tillery bombardment is concentrated for two hours upon 
the German positions, but warned thereby of the im- 
pending attack, the enemy, waiting until the forward 
movement is commenced, throws down a terrific coun- 
ter-barrage upon our front, so that the division, going 
"Over the top'* at daylight (October 14th), with the 9th 
Brigade (60th and 61st Infantry) on the right and the 
10th Brigade (10th and 11 th Infantry) on the left, is 
immediately plunged into a perfect storm of shell fire 
which inflicts heavy casualties in its ranks at the very 
outset of the advance. 

Checked, We "Dig In" 

While momentarily checked, the advance is persisted 
in until, as ground toward the enemy's positions is 
gained, our troops are assailed by a decimating cross- 
fire of machine guns from the front and the left flank 
and a deadly tempest of artillery from the heights east 
of the Meuse on the right. With increasingly serious 
losses in our ranks, progress over the open hills becomes 
practically impossible for a while and the Regulars 
therefore burrow into the hillsides with "fox holes" 
and shallow trenches or take positions in natural de- 
pressions of the terrain or in ravines and road cuttings 
to hold their ground until the storm is over or subsides 
sufficiently to permit them to reorganize their lines and 
resume the advance. 

Attack Resumed 

When the propitious moment comes, as it often does. 
bringing with it a slight decrease of fire from the front, 



288 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

the attack is renewed, and with the 10th Brigade, stil! 
besieged, however, hy a deadly machine gun fusillade 
from the flank, holding its around on the left, a drive 
straisrht northward toward CUNEL is launched by the 
9th Brigade on the right. In spite of the shells, from 
the German guns east of the Meuse, raining down in 
their path, exploding all around them, making gaps in 
their ranks, the attacking units of the 60th and 61st In- 
fantry press steadily on over the hills and finally hurl 
themselves into an assault upon CUNEL, resolutely 
and desperately defended by detachments of German 
machine gunners, holding protected and concealed posi- 
tions difficult to discover save by the close touch of 
hand-to-hand conflict. 

Hard-Earned Victory 

Goaded into fury by the loss of many of their com- 
rades, the Regulars storm position after position, killing 
or capturing the enemy defenders, soon winning 
CUNEL for their own and, with it, gaining a more 
protected "Jump off" line from which to launch an- 
other attack northward asfainst the woodland stronar- 
point of the BOIS de la PULTIERE. 

Enemy Line Finally Pierced 

Losses render necessary a reorganization of the attack- 
ing lines once more, but when this is accomplished in 
the afternoon, the 60th and 61st Infantry, leaving the 
ruins of CUNEL behind, throw themselves into a force- 
ful drive which soon sweeps them into the southern 
edges of the BOIS de la PULTIERE^for an assault so 
spirited and overpowering that the enemy's resistance 
is broken and by nightfall the entire woodland strong- 
point is safely in their possession, with the Germans at 
bay before the Regulars of the Fifth in the BOIS des 
RAPPES beyond. With this final success in the oper- 



5th division 289 



ations for the day, together with equally successful 
maneuvers by flanking divisions on the left, resulting 
in the capture of Romagne by one of them, the Kriem- 
hilde Stellung has been pierced at its strongest point. 
Immediately consolidating their gains, our troops 
strengthen a line upon the northern edges of the woods, 
rendering it secure against possible counter-attacks 
during the night. 

We Launch Another Attack y\ 

In spite of the severe casualties sustained within the 
first twenty four hours of its participation in the great 
offensive, — one regiment being reduced to 6 officers 
and 259 men, — a general attack is launched by the divi- 
sion upon BOIS des RAPPES the following morning 
(October 15th). It is instantly met, however, by an 
almost overpowering opposition in the form of a terrific 
and deadly machine gun concentration which blazes 
forth from every section of the woods, cutting our men 
down at every point of attack. Indeed, the woodland 
stronghold is encircled by a regular cordon of defense, 
which, protected, as it is, by veritable death-traps of 
bristling barbed wire entanglements worked in among 
the trees, proves practically invulnerable to assault. 

Our Men Compelled to Withdraw 

Incurring increasing Ibsses without gaining decisive 
results, the attack upon the whole fails, compelling a 
general withdrawal to our original lines upon the north- 
ern edges of the BOIS de la PULTIERE. Seeking 
weak spots in the enemy's armor, one venturesome and 
intrepid battalion, however, succeeds in breaking 
through, penetrating into the woods, and gaining the 
northern edges, but, in danger of being cut off, it 
finally falls back to the original lines. 





290 MH.^E-.\RGONNE OFFENSI\T 

Division Attacks Again, but in Vain 

With many of its units reduced by losses and 
exhausted by their heroic efforts, the di\nsion remains 
in position upon the follo\sing t\vo days (October 1 6th 
and 1 7th), but upon the third day (October 1 Sth) an- 
other deteiTnined effort is made to vstest the strong- 
point of BOIS des FLAPPES from the enemy. In the 
meantime. ho\s*ever, the Gennans. naturally expectmg 
another attack, have strengthened and prepared their 
cordon of defense for desperate resistance. Machine 
gims sweep the approaching terrain evenrsvhere. 
Progress is impossible and the attack is abandoned. 

Turning Point 

In another attack on October 20th, thi: lines of the 

di\'ision are advanced 2tX^ yards. — a gain achieved at 
the cost of severe losses under an almost annihilating 
concentration of fire from the woods. Small as it is. 
this gain, however, proves to be the turning point in the 
siege of the BOIS des R.APPES. Gnm determination 
and a spint that never recognizes defeat ai'e haMUg 
their effect upon the enemy's morale. When the fourth 
and final attack upon the Avoodland strongpomt is made 
October J 1st. the resistance of the enem.y \s'avei's. then 
breaks, and finally our troops storm and capture the 
cordon of defense, driving the Germans before them 
in final defeat through the woods. 

Laconic Message 

Organizing its lines upon the northern edges ot the 
woods in the evening, the division sends back to Corps 
Headquarters the laconic message, "BOIS des RAPPES 
finallyjtaken and riveted do%sTi for keeps". 

Division Relieved 

\^ ith its mission thus fulhlled an«d with 472 prison 
ers to its credit, the division is relieved dunng the night 



5th division 291 



of October 21 for a bHef fiei'Ibd of rest and recuperation 
at the rear, having suffered in eight days of constant 
battle a loss of 35 officers and 580 men killed, 185 of- 
ficers and 3163 men wounded,^ and 1 officer and 
282 men temporarily missing. 

5th Division Recalled to Battlefield 

With a brief respite of only four days' rest at the rear, 
the 5th Division is summoned back to the battlefield 
to relieve the 3rd Division in that little theater of violent 
conflict around BRIEULLES-sur-MEUSE, going into 
position on the night of October 26th-27th, for partici- 
pation in the Third and Final Phase of the great offen- 
sive, upon a front of three and a half miles, extending 
from BRIEULLES on the right, sweeping around the 
northern fringes of the BOIS de FORET, south of 
CLERY le-GRAND. to a point south, of AINCRE- 
VILLE on the left. 

Mission 

It is the mission of the Division, while holding fast 
with its right flank on the river as a pivot, to swing its 
center and left flank north-eastward in a semi-circle 
toward the Meuse and, completing this difficult ma- 
neuver, to hold its positions on the river until flanking 
divisions reach the same line on the left. 

We Strike With Swiftness 

When the attack ushering in the Last Phase is launch- 
ed in the morning of November 1st upon the whole 
front, the Regulars of the Fifth, with electric swiftness, 
strike the enemy with their moving left flank. 

Advance Is Rapid 

Within five minutes CLERY-le-GRAND is cap- 
tured by the 60th Infantry. With equal celerity the 
61st Infantry, operating on the outer edge of the semi- 
circle, sweeps the left flank north-eastward over the 



292 MEU SE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

hills east ol AINCREVILLE. Resistance, especially 
from delaying detachments of machine gunners, is 
encountered, but this is speedily overcome and the 
only delay experienced in the forward movement is 
that imposed uoon the regiment by the nicety of the 
maneuver and the necessity of maintaining liaison with 
flanking units. 

In snite of this retardation, the BOIS de B ABIE- 
MONT IS captured by the regiment before nightfall, 
establishing the lines of the Division in the form of 
the letter "L", with the II th Brigade (10th and 11th 
Infantrv) holding the eastern banks of the Meuse from 
BRIEULLES for several miles northward toward 
CLERY-le-GRAND on the right, and the 9th Brigade 
(60th and 61st Infantry) holding a front runnlns' sharp- 
ly westward from the river across the AINCRE- 
VILLE-DOULCON road on the left. 

Turning Movement Resumed 

Resuming the turning movement In the morning 
(November 2nd), the left flank continues Its eastward 
swing toward the Meuse. In a swift attack by the 
60th Infantry CLERY-le-PETIT is captured, with 
the battle-lines of the regiment shortly afterwards 
sweeping up the slopes and over the crest of HILL 261 , 
there to remain for the night. 

Drive Toward the Meuse 

Meanwhile, the 61st Infantry, carrying forward the 
outer edges of the semi-circular maneuver, on the 
extreme left, compelled to keep in constant touch with 
the neighboring unit, makes slower progress, but in- 
creasing its pace the following day (November 3rd)t 
the regiment makes a drive toward the Meuse. While 
DOULCON is easily captured, the regiment encoun- 
ters a more formidable obstacle in "The Punch-Bowl** 



5th division 293 



of HILL 216, to the north. With enemy machine 
gunners in position in the depression upon its crest, 
the hili proves to be a temporary barrier to progress, 
but clever tactical maneuvering results m its capture 
in trie atternoon and by nighttali the battie-iines sweep 
down to the banks of the iVleuse. 

Difficult Maneuver Completed 

Within three days the division has thus completed 
its dithcult turning maneuver, with its front holding 
the line of the IVleuse tor a distance of eight miles from 
a point south of bneulies on the right, to a point oppo- 
site Dun-sur-Meuse on the left> on the evening of 
November 3rd. 

Enemy Endeavoring to Prevent Crossing of Meuse 

With the enemy in retreat to the north and northeast, 
resistance in tront of the h irst Ai my between the Meuse 
and the Argonne is lessening considerably, but the 
Germans are still in possession of the formidable heights 
immediately east of the Meuse, endeavoring by every 
means withm their power to prevent a crossing of the 
stream by our forces. 

Some of Our Troops Cross River 

In the face of a heavy concentration ot artillery and 
machine gun fire, plunging down upon them as they 
work, the 7th hngineers (^Company "E") succeed m 
spanning the river at bKlt-ULLiib with foot bridges. 
In the hrst attempt, upon the night of November :)rd, 
two com^janies ot the 2nd battalion, 6Uth Intantry, 
accomplish the hazardous task ot crossing to the eastern 
bank, but, as the bridges go to pieces in the storm of 
shells rained down upon the crossing from the heights 
east of the river, it is impossible for others to follow. 

With characteristic resource, the two companies, 
though suddenly cut off and isolated on the east bank, 



294 MfiUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

immediately move away inland|toward the canal east 
of the river where, undismayed and protected by the 
darkness, they "Dig in" and hold their positions through 
the night. 

Enemy's Terrific Artillery Fire 
Daylight discloses their presence to the Germans, 
with the result that a terrific deluge of fire is brought 
down upon them and concentrated as well upon all the 
approaches to the river on the west bank, rendering it 
impossible to send aid across the stream during the day. 

More of Our Troops Cross Meuse 

In an effort to cross the river at CLERY-le-PETlT 
in the afternoon of November 4th, the bridge with 
which the heroic engineers finally succeed in spanning 
the stream, is immediately destroyed by artillery fire, 
but later, under the cover of darkness, — using rafts, 
duckboards, poles and ropes, by pushmg, pulling, and 
paddling their improvised floats, many of which, how- 
ever, go down beneath their occupants, compellmg 
them to swim, — the men of the 3rd Battalion, 60th In- 
fantry, manage to win their way across the Meuse. 
establishing themselves in a strong position upon the 
edges of the BOIS de CHATILLON during the night. 

Reinforcing Those Across 

Meanwhile, other units of the regiment gain the 
western side of the Meuse, sending reinforcements 
during the night to the two companies of the 2nd Battal- 
ion which, in spite of severe losses, have held their 
isolated and dangerous positions upon the banks of the 
canal for twenty-four hours, resisting all efforts to 
dislodge them. 

Remainder of Division Crosses 

With the approach of daylight the regiment begins 
immediate operations to enlarge its gains and with a 



5th division 295 



bridgehead thus firmly established upon the western 
side of the Meuse, remaining elements of the Division 
quickly cross the river early in the morning (November 
5th), launching forth into extensive maneuvers imme- 
diately after daybreak. 

Canal, A Difficult Barrier 

It proves extremely difficult and hazardous to cross 
the canal, a barrier almost as formidable as the Meuse. 
In a terrific concentration of artillery lire from the hills 
beyond, bridges are shot to pieces as quickly as they 
are placed, but by persistent and heroic efforts, the 
60th Infantry finally succeeds in throwing itself across 
the canal. In a swift maneuver launched immediately 
afterwards, the regiment conquers the BOIS de CHA- 
TILLON and captures the village of VILOSNES. 

Rapid Progress Now 

Rapid progress westward, southward and north- 
ward, is made by the division ; LINY-devant-DUN is 
taken by the 11th Infantry ; DUN-sur-MEUSE and 
MILLY are wrested from the enemy by the 61st In- 
fantry. 

With these results, swiftly attained, the division is 
in possession of a front of over five miles upon the 
western side of the Meuse, having conquered the line 
of heights from VILOSNES on the south to MILLY 
on the north, by the evening of November 5th. In 
these successful operations, the Fifth Division has 
cleared the way for other units to cross the Meuse to 
the south. 

Enemy Retiring Everywhere 

Meanwhile, the German forces, disorganized and 
demoralized by defeat, are retiring everywhere upon 
the entire front. With his river-line broken and his 
vast system of defense between the Meuse and Argonne 



296 MEUSE-ARGONNE uFf'ENSiVE 

shattered, the enemy abandons aii senoua eftort to 
oppose our victorious troops, except for such resistance 
as naturally strong positions^ — hiiii and wjodiands 
fortihcid towns and villages^ — enable delaying detach 
ments of machine gunners to mterposc; nere and there. 

Operations^ West of Meusa Resumed 

Resuming operations west ol: the Meuse upon the 
morning ol: November 6th, the Regulars of the Fitth 
continue their swift progress, driving the en^^my's rear 
guards betore them wherever encountered, sweeping 
torward through tne forests and over the rolling hiiis 
toward the northeast upon an ever- widening tront. 
MAKVAUX and LiON-devant-DUN are captured, 
the crests of COfJi oAliMf GHKiViAlN are stormed 
and seized, wresting trom the enemy the last toimiaable 
northern peak ot the western heights ot the Meuse ; 
skulking enemy detachments arc; driven out ot the dense 
forests north of HAKAUMON f ; by nighttail the 
division is m position upon a wide front ot lu miles, 
extending from ViLObNuS on the south, sweeping 
around the wooded heights on the east, to LION on 
the north. 

Driving Into Enemy's Territory 

Moving in detachments over the hills, roads and 
by-paths, upon lines of advance like the ribs of a grad- 
ually opening fan, the division, during the following 
three days (November 7th-9th), drives its front for- 
ward into the enemy's territory upon a constantly 
widening semi-circle which sweeps over everything in 
its path. 

Human Joy In Midst of War 

In the capture of MOUZAY by the left flank early 
on November 9th, not only is a bridgehead established 
for the 90th Division to cross the Meuse, but 700 desti- 
tute French inhabitants are rescued from enemy hands. 



5th division 297 

Food is provided for starving men, women and children. 
Gratitude and rejoicing banish fears and tears. Battle- 
stamed Ke^uiars are kissed and embraced, — and thus 
is tm^edy, poignant with human pathos, dispelled by 
comtdy, replete with human joy, found in the midst 
of war. 

Advance Continues 

Meanwhile, the widening semi-circle, swiftly ap- 
proaching a deep salient toward the center, sweeps 
into LOUPPY and RLMOiViLLE. It is delayed for 
a while by the barrier of the Loison river in front of 
JAMETZ, but, indifferent now to any obstacle, our 
troops plunge into the stream^ swim across, and storm 
and capture the town, driving enemy machine gunners 
in retreat before them. 

When the battlelines of the division come to a halt, 
beyond the S rhNAY-DAMVlLLERS road, the eve- 
ning of November 9th, the German forces are in general 
retreat everywhere upon the front. 

Pushing forward through the FORET de WOEVRE, 
a jungle of trees and heavy undergrowth with roads 
knee-deep in mud, on the following day (November 
10th) the forward movement is continued with such 
swiftness that the division, several miles ahead of the 
units on both flanks, is within striking distance (5 or 
6 miles) of MONTMhDY, on the Metz-Mezieres 
railroad, when the Armistice intervenes at 1 1 o'clock 
a.m., November 11 th. In another day, the enemy's 
most important line of communications would have 
been in the hands of the Fifth. 

Casualties 

In its second operations in the Meuse-Argonne Offen- 
sive, — covering the period of the Last Phase (November 
1st- 1 Ith), — the Division has suffered a loss of 1 1 officers 



2% MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

and 320 men kiiled, 24 officers and 1 ,1 29 men wounded, 
and 153 men temporarily missing. 

Achievement 

In addition to its brilliant crossing of the Meuse and 
capture of the heights west of the river, executed under 
most difficult circumstances, the Division has taken 
632 prisoners, and captured 44 pieces of artillery and 
677 machine guns. 

In the words of the Division Commander, the oper- 
ations of the 5th Division "form a brilliant example 
of what the American soldier can do in an emergency 
when he must go to the utmost extent of his power." 

26th DIVISION 

("Yankee** Division) 
(National Guard troops from Connecticut, Maine, 
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Ver- 
mont. Major General Clarence R. Edwards, Regular 
Army, of Ohio, commanding until October 25th ; then. 
Brigadier General Frank E. Bamford, Regular Army, 
of Wisconsin. For regiments and other units compos'- 
mg division, see page 579.) 

Necessary to Drive Enemy Out of Salient 

When the First American Army, in the Second 
Phase of the great offensive, finds its right flank con- 
stantly assailed and threatened from formidable positions 
east of the Meuse, the 1 7th French Corps, composed 
of both French and American battle units, is ordered 
to commence operations on October 8th in the region 
north and northeast of Verdun to drive the enemy out 
of a deep salient created by the swift advance of our 
troops between the Meuse and the Argonne Forest. 

Division Thrown Into Battlelines 

With the enemy in possession of a vast zone of 



26th division 29^ 



defense, consisting of six successive and powerful lines 
of concrete and steel covering a depth of six or more 
miles, rock-ribbed in the rugged hills and riveted down 
in the forests of the plateau running eastward from the 
Meuse to the plains of the Woevre, the difficult task 
confronting the French and American troops is being 
carried out with determination and persistence against 
bitter and terrific opposition when the 26th American 
("Yankee") Division is brought forward from reserve 
positions on the night of October 16th-' 17th to relieve 
the 18th French Division and is thrown into the battle- 
lines upon the eastern edges of the woods lying between 
HAUMONTandFLABAS. 

Plunging Into Conflict 

Remaining in position for five days, repelling counter- 
attacks and preparing for a general assault upon the 
whole Corps front, the division plunges into conflict 
on the morning of October 23rd with the 52nd Brigade 
(103rd and 104th Infantry — Massachusetts^ Maine and 
New Hampshire troops) on the right and the 51st Bri- 
gade (101st and 102nd Infantry — Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut and Vermont troops) on the left, supported 
by the fire of the 51st Artillei-y Brigade (101st, 102nd 
and 1 03rd Field Artillery — Massachusetts, New Hamp- 
shire, Rhode Island and Connecticut troops). 

We Gain Swift Success 

Protected by a dense fog shrouding the battlefield 
and concealing their advance, our troops gain swift 
success and within a few hours the important German 
observatory upon the crest of ESTRAYES RIDGE is 
captured by the 101st Infantry, while, in the afternoon! 
the 102nd Infantry wrests BOIS de BELLEU and 
BOIS des CHESNES from the enemy and penetrates 
into the western edges of BOIS d'ORMONT. 



^00 MEUSE-ARCdNNE OFFENSIVE 



^ New Englanders Compelled to Withdraw 
Recovering from their surprise, the Germans launch 
powerful counter-attacks against all the positions so 
suddenly snatched horn them. While the iNew Lng- 
land troops succeed in holding most of their gains, 
they are nevertheless compelled to withdraw from 
BOlS de bELLiiU before nightfall under an over- 
whelming concentration of heavy artillery and machine- 
gun fire. 

Savage Hand-to-Hand Fighting 
Renewal of the attack the next day precipitates a 
struggle resulting in four days of bitter and terrible 
strife, characterized by savage hand-to-hand fighting, 
m which the battlelines sway back and forth over the 
rugged hills and through the dense woodlands, with 
our troops under a terrific deluge of artillery and a 
perfect storm of machine-gun hre all the while. 

Our Men Forced to Retire 

Losses are constant and heavy, but the New England^ 
ers, — with the same gallant spirit that achieved victory 
in the Marne and St. Mihiel Salients, — ^persist in their 
efforts. In the BOlS de BELLEU the 101st Infantry, 
opposed by bitter and deadly resistance, gains ground 
almost foot by foot, repulsing counter-attack after 
counter-attack, and advancing 5U0 yards into the woods ; 
but when assailed for the fourth time, the Massachu- 
setts men are forced to give giound and retire before an 
overwhelming attack, in the BOlS d'UKMUNT, 
especially toward the eastern end, the 102nd Infantry 
is engaged m a similar struggle, with its battlehnes 
surging around the base of HILL 360, a valuable 
observation point commanding the held as far westward 
as the Meuse. Possessing the advantage of position, the 
enemy succeeds in clinging to the hill, and though 
attack after attack is made, our troops, exhausted and 



26th division 301 



weakened by losses, are finally forced by decimating 
machine-gun fire back to the western edges of the woods. 

We Deliver New Attack 

Preceded by an artillery preoaration a new attack is 
delivered upon both flanks on October 27th. BOIS de 
BELLEU IS definitely wrested from enemy hands in 
the afternoon by the 3rd Battalion, 104th Infantry. 
In the face of formidable resistance, some progress is 
made in BOIS d'ORMONT toward HILL 360. While 
our troops cling to their gains through the night and 
into the next day, the woods are finally relinquished 
under the most destructive artillery bombardment ever 
experienced by the New Englanders. 

Offensive Resumed After Pause 

Relieved upon the left flank by the 79th American 
Division and, in turn, relieving the 26th French Divi- 
sion on the right flank, the "Yankee" Division remains 
in position holding a front of three miles, under constant 
artillery and machine-gun fire, for the following ten 
days, until November 7th, when offensive operations 
are resumed with an attack due eastward between 
BEAUMONT and BOIS d'ORMONT. resulting in 
the capture of FLABAS and the seizure of the height 
to the northeast, commanding the road between DAM- 
VILLERS and AZANNES, by the evening of No- 
vember 8th. 

Enemy Resistance Lessens 

With resistance lessening, indicating a possible with- 
drawal by the enemy, the New England troops, ordered 
to'^attack in a south-easterly direction, launch a drive 
toward ORNES and ETAIN on November 9th. Stiff 
machine gun resistance is encountered from the enemy 
trenches at Le CHAlJME and I'HERBEBOIS, but 
the attack is vigorously pressed, resulting in the capture 



307 MiaiSK AIKJDNNK onfKNSIVK 

of tim vill/ii/rt of Vlf .LKUS rlr.v«ntX:MA(llVIONT. in 
tf)fj valley of llir riiiffilr, r)M Novcrnhf.r I Of I). 

ArmJntice ILnth I'igliliiri^ 

Wifli flir flivi-.ion (nff/niu/t(\ in llirr^r /itf/uk f f>IijniMv., 
— llj»: IOy!ii(l Inlniilry lov^/inl OkNi'-S, fix: I04ll. \'>A/itu\ 
Ui JIJMMJJ'.S ntu\ ffm lOVd toward rili'Klii: 
1^)1,4," an 6HHaiilt, ac<toinpnMir,(j hy a Inravy artilNrry 
l»r<'|)ar7ilion, J/Kinrlifd rarly oil Nov«;inl>' r IIiIj, in 
proj^rr.v/sifjj/ lavor/il»ly wlirn llir armr,li<^: l>n'ijgu lio«- 
filitic!«^to an tnd at 1 1 o'clock a.m. 

DiviHion SnHfaifiH PrcHlii^e 

Willi 285 priMorKtrn lo iln credit and a lolal of %5 ain 
M(j||i«'i III il;< raiiK^t, uw **Y/uiK*e'* l)ivr'.iofi, in llwj<, 
tlir I/i;it opftration of tlift war, lia;'. iir.f.iiiied ilf. \it< An'r 
and proved llie nictlle of the N« w I .ns,;laiid troop, up 
lo llie very f-nd. 

2Ht!. DIVISION 
("Keyhtone ' I )ivi('.ion) 
(Priiiriylvaiiia Nalioiwil ^ liiard Irrxipi. IVIajfir Gen- 
eral ( .l»/irl<;. II. Mmr, Krj/iilar Army, of IVIi< liij^an, 
Cominandiii?/. I'or r(tj/iin( nl . and oIIk r iinit?i (f)inpoH- 
in^ DivfHion, '•'•( pai/f 579,) 

|iiin|>iii}i; Imlo 7 lie Attack 

lacing IIk- I lind(-nl)nr>^ Line upon a front of two 
and a liall inilr",, willi I Ik- rndit (lank in f)ohition at a 
point Monlll'bl IJOI JKia ilLU.S, lialf a mile ea:.t of 
the Alrc!, and tlies leit llanic, Mlretclunj/ we;,iward for 
two imleM nrnr.H I lie river, nfradfllin?/ iIh' <a:.l<rn eiuarfJc- 
inenlfi of lln- ArK*»nne, linkiiij,^ tlic lore;.t willi llie rewt 
ol llir halllrlroni, tlie 2Hlli Division jlirnpH inlo the 
atta< k niauf/iiratinK tlie lirnt IMiaMe of tlie «reat offenHiv<; 
on llie rolling'; Imtrnuv pinniv '• northward in the morning 
fo|ij,of Srpt^nilxr /.()\\\. 



9f^lU hr/r,i'> W/ 

MjUMjon 

Witi) til': JffjportVHif tlil';':iftti (t\ dnvjfjj/ /I 7/'-/l^': 

«tr/iij/fjt n<>rlljv/;irr| /ilorij/ t}i<r < /i;vt''.rri dj/^.;; of tli'- 
Arj/onnc to o«itfl;irjk thr^ t,t\tu\y\'i hlttiftrX irnprrTj/n/ilJ': 
ffi/'tJit; positionii, fhr* *'Kny'.:t.on/:'* troop« rn/il*:/: « fhruvt 
'lov/rj tfi<-. v/ilK-.y of tlj^: Airr- of «iirh fiowf.f nn<\ j{W/ffn<^'-^«*, 
>}i;it fji/: fif\viifi< f:, foWifi'/, (fvnf iIjC I Jiii'lcnliiirf/ I,in^, 
«r)rl pnmtw, VAKi.MNI'lS f>y noon, »w^rve8 fhc nWulc^ 
\f\V. Wru/^ ()( flif: divi -jori into « no^Ition fftcinj/ flic {uff%\, 
ijf/ofj ;3 '-' ri':r;il north flnd f/xitn lifK:, \)U\f.U<n\\yn\. nj/f»i 
;jrj;/J'.. i'> t}i<: lAjltl' front, of lli^. /irrrjy Ly ^.v.nini;/, with 
tfi'T rij<fit fl/'inl' fin jj up m/iuti^i \\n^ \Nitit"t.r\\nuv^rA 
fh:irrr, . \u front r.f MDri'liiLAINVIf .[£, on lh' 
north, /ifi'l tjiri left fl'jnl' niit Si'ifiA in t,ij<: Arj/onn',, 
thr':^: rnil"/; ;iV//)y to t.h'; oufh, rt'-i AiiiVfKzW: '■•.i:\\\i-'. Jt'Jf'f 

Advanr:« R««ijmed With Ifripf.fiit 

\u\\fn*if\ w/tfi fi '>f jsuperiorjty over tfifi rrn^rny 

V/horn th':y fi/JV /. ' 3 jiy '>•/< rr/nTif: tfi th<: /ri/t//j| ;l^/•,/^(Jlf,, 
tfj': IVrjrj'-.yJy/jfii.Hj". r'',u;/j': ffj^jf li'lvfitl'J'. rtt d/jwn tfl«5 

n<TXt d;r/ (r)(.\,Uzn\\tf,r 27i\i) with »n irnpHij^ ih/iit «wcep» 

<TV'Tr/thinj/ hr-.for': it for tfj<: firnt f' v/ \,',^sf'i, mrty'in^ 
thr: OSth \Wt'/:i(\': (\(0\\i ftnrl I lOtfj hif^jntry) throuj/h 
«nrl txTyor<<i MO' ."11>I .AI'IVIJ Jii, or) tfif. nj/fit, /jn'l 
tfift 56th I'nv/ifk (lllth an<l 1 1 2th InhnUy) iofwfifA 
tor a <j(jf\%\<\nf(i\}\(' (tflvfina: la tfi'-, 'NMf-itt'v.n of t[i#-. 
Ar;ronn*i 00 tU; Irrft. 

EtMiny Reti«tanc« Stjff^.ns 

1 -;)t/:r. howi^crr, rf^l^inncf: niifU^.n"., i!i< ffH-.in'/, pro 
$/rf :';i /«'ly M the Atf/trrk d<rV^lof>«. It J«J *TviH#tnt th^t 
ti,' r' ji yi,r\itWn\t 9rnnf\ of f/trnitf f>att.l*j i« only h''?/innin$f, 
A* th': <:n<-([r/, (ifi/.ff\ ftrul (ftuUv/'A \)^/ th^ initial f>'*m*' 
barrJrnftrit, t>'/*-t'N\n\\iin'A uttA *Wjnoi?%\i/jfA hy lli'-. hiiO^ 
denn^tj And {xiry <,{ the hrfct ktwk, ^ra/liwlly rtvjivati 



304 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

from his original shock and surprise. Progress becomes 
slower and more difficult as an organized defense with 
machine guns and artillery comes into play late in the 
afternoon. In spite of severe losses, however, our 
troops press on in the attack and, though almost checked 
by an opposition growing hourly more deadly and 
formidable, they continue until darkness halts the 
advance, with the battlefront of the division still facing 
the eastern flanks of the Argonne west of the Aire. 

Shift in Our Lines 

In view of the fact that the left flank, held back by 
savage resistance in the Argonne, is retarding the north- 
ward drive intended to outflank the enemy's woodland 
bulwark, the 56th Brigade, — leaving behind the 2nd 
Battalion, 1 1 1 th Infantry, to maintain liaison with the 
77th ("Liberty") Division in the follow-up attack 
through the forest, — is withdrawn during the night and 
rushed forward under the cover of darkness to positions 
west of MONTBLAINVILLE for operations asfainst 
the COTE de PERRIERE and Le CHENE TONDU, 
two strongpoints discovered as being the mainstays of 
the enemy's increasing and formidable resistance. 

Stronghold Guarding Fiank of Argonne 

Rising to precipitous heights, commanding the valley 
of the Aire with an open sweep of fire over the rolling 
hills toward the north and northeast, fortified and 
strengthened, mounting machine guns, trench mortars 
and field pieces, the two strongpoints form the buttress- 
ed center of a zone of defense which, — ^with the fortified 
villages of APREMONT and CHATEL-CHEHERY- 
guards the eastern flanks of the Argonne. It is evident 
that a terrific battle must be waged to dislodge the 
Germans from positions upon which the defense of 
the Argonne at this point depends. Loj^s of the for- 



28th division 305 



tified heights means the enemy's withdrawal from the 
forest and a retreat toward the north. Winning the 
heights means the success of the outflankmg maneuver 
for our troops. 

Prolonged and Desperate Struggle 

In the attack launched the next day (September 28th) ] 
initiating operations intended to invest, outflank and 
finally storm the enemy's formidable positions, APR£- 
MONT is easily captured, but powerful and organized 
resistance encountered immediately afterwards brings 
on a prolonged and desperate struggle extendmg over 
a period of many days, through the First Phase and 
into the Second Phase of the great offensive, continuing 
until final success ends the conflict for the Pennsylvania 
Division. 

Pennsylvania's Own Theater of Conflict 

It is a struggle in which the "Keystone" troops, by 
brilliant battle exploit and heroic sacrifice, convert a 
panorama of bare hills and wooded ridges, — ^three or 
four miles in length and two or three miles in width, 
extending from the Aire between MONTBLAIN- 
VILLE and CHEHERY westward into that portion of 
the Argonne known locally as the BOIS d'APRE- 
MONT, the BOIS de CHATEL and the BOIS de COR- 
NAY — into Pennsylvania's own little theater of conflict . 

Terrific Fighting ^ 

Fighting desperately for every foot of ground, gaining 
short distances here and there, always at the cost of 
many lives, the Pennsylvanians continue their operations 
advancing their battlelines literally step by step down 
the valley of the Aire against terrific resistance from the 
front and almost overwhelming enfilade fire from 
COTE de PERRIERE and Le CHENE TONDU upon 

the left. 



306 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



Launch General Attack 

In order to seize points north of Apremont more 
advantageous to a continuation of the outflanking oper- 
ations against the enemy's forest strongpoints, it is 
decided to launch a general attack, preceded by an 
artillery preparation of one hour, upon the entire divi- 
sional front on October 1 st. 

Enemy Resorts To Desperate Expedient 

Within a fevsr moments after our guns begin blazing 
away at the enemy's lines, however, and, indeed, as 
the "Keystone'* troops are moving into positions of 
readiness for the attack, a sudden and tremendous 
counter fire descends upon our front. It is not merely 
the usual response with which artillery replies to artil- 
lery. It is something more significant, but our troops, 
in doubt at first, soon discover its portent as the enemy's 
counter-preparation is converted into a rolling barrage 
behind which a whole German division is coming for- 
ward for an attack against them. In position and ready 
for a similar attempt which within an hour they w^ould 
have launched against the enemy, the tragic humor of 
the situation is not lost upon the Pennsylvanians as 
they calmly await the attack under a storm of shells 
from the German guns. It is the first appearance 
upon the field of enemy infantry in force, — a sudden 
and radical departure from defensive tactics relying 
upon well organized machine gun positions and artil- 
lery for success. It is a desperate expedient dictated 
undoubtedly by an equally desperate fear of the loss 
of positions guarding the flanks of the Argonne unless 
our operations against the COTE de PERRIERE and 
Le CHENE TONDU be stopped. 

Our Men Waiting To Receive Them 

With everything in readiness to receive the attack, — 



28th division 307 



machine guns in position and sighted, rifles poised and 
ready, and the artillery prepared to bring down a devas- 
tating storm in front of our battlelines, — our troops 
withhold their fire for a close-range concentration of 
annihilating eflfect. Ignorant of the reception awaiting 
them, the Germans, with two regiments in their attack- 
ing lines and one in support, come on and on until, as 
their protecting barrage, sweeping over and beyond our 
lines, leaves them behind, they throw themselves into 
the last mad rush to reach our positions. 

We Mow Them Down 

Instantly our rifles and machine guns, now unleashed, 
assail them with a deadly outburst of fire from every 
point of attack, while our artillery brings down a storm 
of shells upon their supports. In spite of this initial 
repulse, unmindful of losses in their ranks, driven on 
by an almost fanatical determination, many of the Hun 
assailants succeed in reaching our lines. With a cour- 
age worthy of a better fate, they make vicious close- 
quarter attacks against our troops, but, though support- 
ed by their own machine gun fire and aided by hand 
grenades, the Germans are everywhere hurled back in 
defeat and finally driven from the field by our infantry 
and tanks, leaving their dead strewn thickly in front of 
our positions, especially at APREMONT. Many of 
the prisoners prove to be old men, with sons in the 
German ranks, and from them it is learned that two 
regiments of the 2nd Landwehr Division have been 
practically sacrificed in an effort to achieve a forlorn 
hope. 

Battle Activity Lessens 

Immediately after this signal victory, our troops 
consolidate and strengthen their lines to guard against 
future surprise attacks and for the remainder of the 
First Phase battle activity is limited to patrol and 



303 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

reconnaissance operations, constant interchange of fire 
between the opposing artillery, and aerial combats in 
which three enemy planes are brought down in the 
sector of the division, 

Pennsylvanians Launch Spirited Attack 

With the commencement of the Second Phase of the 
great offensive early in the morning of October 4th, the 
* 'Keystone" troops launch a spirited attack upon the 
whole divisional front, inaugurating operations which 
continue with slight interruption for the following four 
days. In a swift thrust down the Aire valley the 33th 
Brigade drives the enemy northward for several miles, 
capturing CHEHERY and PLEINCHAMP FARM and 
pushing patrols into FLEVILLE before nightfall of 
the first day. Formidable resistance is encountered 
from La FORGE and the fortified village of CfiATEL- 
CHEHERY, but persistent effort, culminating m a 
forceful attack on October 7th, made in conjunction 
with the 82nd Division, results in the capture ot these 
points as well as strong positions upon HILL 223 and 
COTE 244, west of CHATEL-CHEHERY. 

Our Outflanking Operations Continue 

Meanwhile, though opposed at every step by ma- 
chine-gun and shell fire, the 36th Brigade, on the left, 
continues its outflanking operations against the enemy's 
woodland strongpoints in the Argonne, succeeding 
finally in storming the heights of CO IE de PERRIERE 
and Le CFIENE TONUU in the general attack on 
October 7th. In a swift exploitation of this success, 
the Germans are hurled from their positions and driven 
northward through the BOIS de CORNAY and the 
BOIS de TAILLE I'ABBE. 

Enemy Retreats 

Immediately after daybreak (October 8th) the attack 



29th division 309 



is resumed and, while resistance from delaying detach- 
ments of machine gunners is everywhere encountered, 
the conquest of the Argonne at this point is soon com- 
pleted. With the enemy in retreat northward, liaison 
with the 77th C'Libertv'*) Division, which has been 
battling its wav forward in the forest, is established, 
and thus ioined, the two divisions drive on tosrether 
upon the heels of the defeated Germans for the re- 
mainder of the day. 

Division Relieved 

While consolidating its gains and holding its battle 
positions under an incessant deluge of machine-gun 
and artillery fire during the night, the "Keystone" 
Division, though anxious, in spite of great exhaustion, 
to continue in the great offensive, is relieved by the 
82nd Division in the morning (October 9th) and 
marched back to Varennes for a well-earned rest. 

Achievement 

In addition to achieving results that contributed 
greatly to the final conouest of the Argonne, the Penn- 
svlvanians have taken 556 prisoners and captured 15 
pieces of artillery and 16 m.achine guns. 

Casualties 

In two weeks of terrific battle, the division has suffer- 
ed a lo.«s of 13 officers and 325 men killed and 67 officers 
and 1 ,833 men wounded and temporarily missing. 

29th DIVISION 

(National Guard troons of New Tersev. Delaware ■ 
Maryland. Virginia, and District of Columbia. Maior- 
General Charles G. Morton, Regular Armv, of Massa- 
chusetts, commanding. For res^iments and other units 
composing division, see page 579,) 



310 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Blue and Gray United Against Common Foe 

, Made up of young men of the North and South, — 
representing the Blue and Gray their fathers wore in 
strife against one another, united by a spirit of camara- 
derie and patriotism under the Stars and Stripes, in 
readiness for their baptism of fire together in their first 
great battle against the common foe, — the 29th Division, 
designated as one of the battle units of the 1 7th French 
Corps, finds itself in position upon a narrow front along 
the canal bank between SAMOGNEUX and BRA- 
BANT, north of Verdun, on the evening of October 
7th, for participation in operations against the enemy's 
strong defenses east of the Meuse scheduled to begin 
at daybreak the next morning. 

A Brigade Detached 

In view of the tactical limitations imposed upon the 
division by a greatly restricted front, permitting the 
employment of only half of its infantry force at first, 
the 58th Brigade is temporarily detached and sent into 
the battlelines of the 18th French Division for the 
initial assault and the operations immediately to follow 
it. 

Attack Launched Without Warning 

Lest the enemy's suspicions be aroused, preparations 
have been carried through with every precaution and 
in order to preserve secrecy until the last moment and 
to insure the element of surprise in the initial assault, 
the attack is launched upon the whole Corps front at 
5 o'clock in the morning without the usual preliminary 
bombardment to warn the Germans. 

Artillery Blazes Forth 

Instantly the infantry goes over the top, however, 
the guns of the supporting artillery blaze forth with a 
protecting curtain of shells that plunges on ahead of the 



29th division 31 1 



attacking forces and goes crashing into and sweeping 
over the enemy's lines with a demoralizing destructive- 
ness that renders the German defenders easy prey to 
the "Doughboys** and "Poilus" as they swoop down 
upon them close in its wake. 

Storming Enemy's Positions 

Within an incredibly short time, seemingly only a 
few moments after launching the attack from the bankt 
of the canal, the 58th Brigade, — vv^ith the 1 1 6th Infantry 
(Virgmia troops) on the right and the 1 1 5th Infantry 
(Maryland troops) on the left, protected by a rolling 
barrage laid down in their front by their own divisional 
artillery, — is plunging through a maze of bristling wire 
entanglements. It proves to be only a temporary im- 
pediment, quickly overcome, and with the enthusiasm 
of their first battle upon them, the Maryland and Vir- 
ginia troops are soon storming the enemy's forward 
positions in unison with their French comrades upon 
both flanks. Slight, if any, resistance is encountered 
from the demoralized and shattered enemy and, with 
a swiftness that overwhelms and overawes the Germans, 
the Southerners drive straight through and capture the 
two powerful lines of the Brabanter and Hagen Stel- 
lungs, scooping in hordes of frightened Huns as their 
prisoners on the way. 

We Push Rapidly On 

Pushing rapidly on, the battlelines of the Brigade 
are swept over the rolling hills into the edges of the 
BOIS de CONSENVOYE. In the southern triangle 
of the woods, the formidable heights of HILL 338 are 
carried and, with this commanding position in their 
possession protecting their right flank, the Maryland 
and Virginia troops press forward, driving the enemy 
before them, establishing their lines for the night upon 



312 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE ♦ 

a Strong^ front toward the northern fringes of the BOIS 
de CONSENVOYE. 

Remarkable Performance 

It is a remarkable first day's performance for inexpe- 
rienced troops, but the Southerners, while proud and 
enthusiastic over their success in the initial assault, 
achieved within a few hours and with scarcely any 
losses, are not blinded thereby to the probability, nay, 
the almost certain prospect, of formidable and deadly 
resistance calculated to put their mettle to a severe test 
within the next few days. 

Enemy Recovers ; We Are Checked 

While awaiting the advance of the French (18th) 
Division on the right, the 58th Brigade remains in posi- 
tion upon its line running through the BOIS de CON- 
SENVOYE on October 9th, preparing, meanwhile, for 
a renewal of the attack the next dav in conjunction with 
the 33rd American (''Illinois") Division, which has 
come forward on the left. In this delay, unfortunately 
unavoidable, the enemy, now recovering from his first 
surprise, finds time for thorough preparation, so that 
when the attack is launched early the following morning 
(October 10th) our troops are immediately swept by 
terrific blasts of machine-gun fire and assailed by a 
storm of high explosive and gas shells which inflicts 
heavy losses and checks their advance from the begin- 
ning. Desperate efforts, heroically persisted in, achieve 
only slight progress and the attack is therefore aban- 
doned for the day. 

Attack Resumed 

Immediately after daybreak the next morning, how- 
ever, the Maryland and Virginia troops, determined 
and undismayed, resume the attack, launching a drive 
in a north-easterly direction, in unison with their 



29th division 313 



Illinois comrades on the left and the "Pollus** on the 
right. While some ground is gained in the first swift 
onset, the attack soon meets with terrific resistance, 
especiallv from the woodland strongDoints of the BOIS 

de la GRANDE MONTAGNE and the BOIS d'ET- 
RAYES, to the left front, where the enemy is in posses- 
sion of formidable positions making up a part of his 
third line of defense. In the face of fire from these 
positions, which literally cuts down the underbrush 
around them in the BOIS de CONSENVOYE, our 
troops continue their heroic efforts, making headway 
step by step, until finally (October 1 1th) towards eye- 
ning the 58th Brigade succeeds in pushing forward to 
the southern edges of MOLLEVILLE FARM to the 
north, extending its lines westward therefrom into the 
neighboring woods upon a front which is consolidated 
and held under a continuous deluge of high explosiye 
and gas shells and machine gun missiles for the next 
few days. 

Division Reunitec! Upon Widened Front 

In the meantime, as a result of the gains made by the 
Southerners against such bitter and deadly opposition » 
it becomes possible to reunite the 29th Division upon 
a widened front, and the 57th Brigade (New Jersey 
troops) is brought forward into the battlelines, going 
into position with the 1 1 4th Infantry on the right and 
the 11 3th Infantry on the left. 

Now Northerners* Turn 

It is now the turn of the Northern troops to try con^ 
elusions with an enemy thoroughly aroused and prepare 
ed to contest eyery foot of ground, — determined, in 
fact, to exert all the power and advantage of superior 
positions everywhere to prevent further advances by 
the French and American forces that are certain, unless 



314 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

stopped, to dislodge him from his defensive bulwark 
between the Meuse and Woevre. 

Plunging Into Attack 

With an eagerness and enthusiasm born of impatient 
waiting for a share in the great offensive, the New Jersey 
troops plunge into an attack early in the morning of 
October 12th and, in liaison with the "Poilus" of the 
French Division on the right, push forward for the 
conquest of the BOIS de la REINE and the BOIS 
d'ORMONT, two strongly-held bits of woodland, 
northwest of Flabas, included in the defenses of the 
enemy's formidable Kriemhilde Stellung east of the 
Meuse, 

Compelled To "Dig in ' 

In the first impetuous forward rush the battlelines of 
the brigade are driven into the enemy's territory to a 
considerable depth, but violent opposition is soon 
encountered and. though valiant efforts are made, pro- 
gress becomes impossible and our troops are finally 
compelled to *'Dig in*' and consolidate their gains under 
an almost decimating fire of machine guns and artillery 
maintained with deadly accuracy and regularity upon 
their lines. 

Grueling Struggle 

With the enemy possessing the almost unconquerable 
advantage of superior positions everywhere upon the 
battlefront of the division, the conflict soon becomes 
a grueling struggle in which progress, accompanied by 
constantly increasing losses, is a matter literally of feet 
and yards, day after day, until finally our troops forge 
ahead to positions in the BOIS de la GRANDE MON- 
TAGNE on the left and the BOIS d'ETRAYES on 
the right, from which a concerted attack, preceded by 
an intense artillery preparation, is delivered against the 
enemy early in the morning of October 23rd, 



29th division 315 



We Finally Win 

Resistance, though violent and desperate, proves 
futile this time and in cooperation with the 26th ("Yan- 
kee") Division, replacing the French on the right, the 
fortified ridge of the BOIS d'ETRAYES is stormed and 
with the important observatory on its crest, captured 
in a gallant assault by the "Blue and Gray'* troops. 
Division Relieved 

Repeated and determined counter-attacks are repuls- 
ed during the succeeding five days and on October 28th 
the 29th Division is relieved in its battle positions by 
the 79th American Division. 

Casualties 

In twenty days of as bitter and deadly strife as troops 
have ever experienced, the division has sustained the 
heavy loss of 26 officers and 652 men killed, 90 officers 
and 2,907 men wounded, 27 officers and 1,734 men 
gassed and 534 men temporarily missing, making the 
great total of 145 officers and 5,827 men in casualties. 
Achievement 

Results constituting a remarkable achievement by 
inexperienced troops crown the united efforts of the 
young men of the North and the South in their first 
and last great battle ; for, not only has the division 
smashed through three of the enemy's strongest defen- 
sive lines, but it has taken 2,187 prisoners and captured 
no less than 21 pieces of artillery and 250 machine guns 
as well. 

32nd DIVISION 

(National Guard troops of Michigan and Wisconsin. 
Major General William G. Haan, Regular Army, of 
Indiana, commanding. For regiments and other units 
composing division, see page 579.) 

Going Into Position 

Rushed forward over the shell shattered battlefield 



316 MEUSE^ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

from the reserve to the front as the First Phase of the 
great offensive is drawing to its close, the 32ncl Division, 
with the 63rd Brigade in front and the 64th Brigade in 
reserve, supported by the 55th Field Artillery Brigade, 
moves into positions in the battlelines astride the Mont- 
faucon-Cierges road during the night of September 30th. 

Operations Begin 

Initiating operations immediately after daybreak 
(October 1st), strong combat patrols are pushed for- 
ward, seizing the BOIS de BEUGE on the right, the 
BOIS d'EMONT on the left, and occupying CIER- 
GES in the center, resulting in an advance of the lines 
of the division half a mile beyond to the north before 
evening. 

Lines Extended 

In a general re-alignment of the battlefront the next 
day, preparatory to the commencement of the Second 
Phase of the offensive, positions being taken over from 
adjoining units, the lines of the division are extended 
on both flanks, bringing the 125th (Michigan and 
Wisconsin troops) and the 126th Infantry (Michigan 
troops) in on the right and the 1 27th (Wisconsin troops) 
and the 1 28th Infantry (Michigan and Wisconsin troops) 
in on the left. 

Forging Ahead 

Resuming reconnaissance operations in the morning, 
the division forges slowly ahead against strong resistance 
during the day, establishing its lines in position just 
south of GESNES, within striking distance of the 
enemy's fourth line, the Kriemhilde Stellung, on the 
eve of the Second Phase (October 3rd). 

Smashing Through Enemy's Defenses 

Launched without artillery preparation, the attack 
the next day makes only^slight progress, but aided by 



32nd division 317 



a destructive preliminary barrage the following morning 
(October 5th) the Michigan and Wisconsin troops 
smash through the enemy's defenses, wresting the 
BOIS de la MORINE, west of GESNES, from the 
Germans, taking over 200 prisoners and many machine 
guns, before noon. Pressing on northward in the 
afternoon, violent opposition is encountered, especially 
ia the machine-gun infested BOIS du CHENE SEQ 
but closing with the enemy in hand-to-hand conflict, 
slashing, thrusting and striking with cold steel, the 
soldiers of Michigan and Wisconsin overcome the Ger- 
mans, claiming the woods for their own by nightfall. 

General Assault 

In preparation for a general assault against the 
formidable main positions of the Kriemhilde Stellung, 
south and southwest of the fortified village of RO- 
MAGNE, the battlelines of the division are shortened 
during the night (October 5th) to a front slightly over a 
mile in extent, with the center just north of GESNES. 
Remaining in position, under a constant deluge of 
shell fire, for the following three days, preparations 
are completed by the morning of October 9th, when 
the division, now supported by its own artillery brigade 
(57th), jumps into the attack, with the 126th Infantry 
on the right and the 125th Infantry on the left. 

Hard Fighting 

Instantly swept by a perfect gale of machine gun 
bullets, inflicting severe losses, the attacking forces 
press forward nevertheless, making progress in spurts 
by leaps and bounds, until finally, aided by a fleet of 
tanks bowling on ahead, the 126th Infantry, on the 
right, drives a wedge through a strong network of wire 
and trenches, penetrating the Kriemhilde Stellung to 
the very outskirts of ROMAGNE before an annihilating 

/ 



318 MEUSE-ARGONNE DEFENSIVE 

fire compels first a halt and later a withdrawal to the 
captured intrenchments behind. Meanwhile, on the 
left, the i25th Infantiy, though confronted hy deadly 
opposition from the intrenched woodland of the BOIS 
de VALOUP and the fortified crest of the COTE 
DAA4E MARIE, forges gallantly on, gaining before 
night positions on the slopes to the south. 

Consolidating and Strengthening Our Line 

With 500 prisoners as living evidence of the day's 
success, the division consolidates and strengthens a line 
which is held under a galling fire for the next four days 
(October 10th- 13th) while preparations are made for 
operations against ROMAGNE, intended to outflank, 
invest, and finally carry that stronghold by storm. 

Our Men Victorious 

Immediate and brilliant success is achieved m the 
initial assault launched early in the morning of October 
14th behind a rolling barrage which sweeps the 126th 
Infantiy smashing through the enem.y's defenses into 
the southern edges of ROMAGNE in the center, the 
128th Infantr}- over the fire-swept hills east of the town 
on the right, and the 127th Infantrv into the ra\anes 
on both flanks of COTE D.UIE i\l\RIE on the left. 
With our m.achine guns and artillery searching the 
terrain in advance of our troops, flushing the enem.y 
out of positions concealed in pockets am.ong the hills 
and wooded spurs, in little valleys and ra\'ines, platoons, 
companies and battalions work themselves fonvard 
everywhere, like hunters stalking game, until finally, 
after occasional little conflicts here and there, full of 
bitter and savage hand-to-hand fighting for the time 
being, ROMAGNE is outflanked and captured, with 
200 or more prisoners, on the right, as the heights of 
HILL 258 are surrounded and stormed on the left. 



32nd division 319 



With these results accomphshed before noon, the 
irregular and somewhat disconnected line resulting 
from unequal gains is gradually straightened and con- 
nected by constant pressure during the afternoon, 
establishing the division upon a solid front, extending 
from ROMAGNE to the COTE DAME MARIE, by 
evening. 

Battlelines Advanced 

Pursuing similar tactics, striking on the right, the 
left, in the center, making a turning maneuver here, 
pushing an outflanking stroke ahead there, pressing 
constantly on and on along the whole divisional front, 
the battlelines are steadily advanced during the follow- 
ing two days, being established several miles to the 
north-westward of Romagne by the evening of Octo- 
ber 16th. 

Still Pushing Ahead 

In preparation for another advance, a terrific machine 
gun and artillery barrage, — in which captured machine 
guns and several pieces of German artillery are turned 
upon their former ov>^ners, — is thrown down upon the 
BOIS de BANTHEVILLE. In the path of its de- 
structive force, sweeping the length and breadth of the 
little forest for twelve solid hours, trees, large and 
small, underbrush, German defenses and wire, are 
razed as if by a devastating cyclone. Patrols pushing 
forward after the storm in the afternoon of October 1 7th 
find the first Germans encountered, dazed, broken- 
spirited and nerve-shattered, ready to surrender, and 
others in retreat, making only spasmodic resistance 
with machine guns and rifles. Following behind the 
patrols, the division advances into the woodland, pro- 
gressing steadily until midnight of October 19th when 
a halt is called, with the battlelines in a salient several 
miles ahead of the general battlefront, the right at the 



320 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



eastern edges of the BOIS de BANTHEVILLE and 
the left well up on the northwestern edges, with both 
flanks echeloned sharply back to maintain touch with 
the adjoining divisions. 

Divi^ioo Relieved 
With the enemy, his resistance broken, retiring 
before them, the Michigan and Wisconsin troops are 
relieved during the night by the 89th Division, being 
withdrawn to the reserve for a period of rest. 

Achievement ; Casualties 

In addition to piercing the Kriemhilde Stellung, the 
division has taken 1,095 prisoners representing nine 
different German divisions and captured 8 pieces of 
artillery and 50 machine-guns, with a total loss of 
24 officers and 535 men killed, 1 1 5 officers and 4,216 
men wounded, and 9 officers and 659 men temporarily 
missing. 

Division Returns to Battle 

Returning to battle after twenty-five days of rest to 
play a notable part in the last act of the war, participat- 
ing in the operations east of the Meuse as the front 
widens in the swift north-eastward advance of the First 
American Army, the 32nd Division is sent into the 
battlelines between the 15th French Colonial and the 
5th American Divisions on the heights overlooking the 
valley of the Woevre, north of Verdun, between the 
villages of LISSEY and BREHEVILLE, on the night 
of November 9th- ^ 0th. 

Driving Forward 

Moving forward with characteristic promptness at 
6 o'clock in the morning, the Michigan and Wisconsin 
troops drive through the BOIS de LISSEY and push 
down into the valley beyond, with the 128th Infantry 
on the right advancing toward PEUVILLERS, west of 



32nd division 321 



the river Theinte, and the 127th Infantry on the left 
toward BOEMONT FARM to the northeast. Fierce 
resistance develops the instant the attacking lines sweep 
into the open of the rolling hills. Machine guns in 
positions commanding the field pour streams of deadly 
fire into them. From the heights beyond, to the north- 
east, German guns drop bursts of high explosives and 
gas among them. It is an all-day fight, with heavy 
losses, but, unmindful of them, our troops push per- 
sistently and heroically on, driving the enemy always 
before them upon an ever-widening front. 

We Are Halted 

In a final swift dash towards evening, the 128th In- 
fantry on the right storms and captures PEUVILLERS, 
driving its lines forward soon afterwards through the 
BOIS de la WOEVRE deeply into the larger BOIS de 
DOMBRAS beyond ; but here deadly resistance brings 
our troops to a halt, compelling them finally to retire 
to the village which is held against all efforts to dislodge 
them. Meanwhile, on the left, the 127th Infantry has 
conquered the BOIS de LISSEY eastward to the banks 
of the THEINTE. 

An Unfortunate Epilogue 

In the midst of preparations for a resumption of the 
advance the following morning (November 1 1th) hostil- 
ities are ordered suspended. While the curtain is 
thus officially dropped upon the last act of the war as 
the armistice goes into effect, a swift little epilogue, 
unfortunately somewhat tragic in results, is enacted 
shortly after 1 1 o'clock when some German batteries 
to the northeast, either in ignorance or characteristic 
violation of the rules of warfare, open up with a bom- 
bardment of the village of LISSEY, inflicting some 
casualties among our troops. Instantly responding, 

21 



322 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



the 57th Field Artillery Brigade concentrates a destruc- 
tive fire upon the enemy's known battery positions, 
immediately silencing the German guns, in this 
swiftly decided little artillery duel, the 32nd Division 
fires the last shots of the war upon the American front. 

Achievement 

In the brief operations of its last battle action, the 
division has made an advance of three or more miles 
and captured 10 machine guns, sustaining casualties 
of 6 officers and 1 1 5 men killed, 1 7 officers and 446 men 
wounded and 2 officers and 200 men temporarily 
missing. 

33rd DIVISION 

("Prairie** Division) 
(Illinois National Guard troops. Major General 
George Bell, Jr., Regular Army, of District of Columbia, 
commanding. For regiments and other units compos- 
ing division, see page 579.) 

Mission 

In position upon a front of four miles, extending 
westward from the Meuse at REGNEVILLE on the 
right to a point east of BETHINCOURT on the left, 
as the initial phase of the great offensive begins, it is 
the important and difficult mission of the 33rd Division 
to drive the extreme right flank of the First American 
Army through the formidable defenses of the Hinden- 
burg Line first and to execute afterwards, in the midst 
of battle, a great turning movement north and north- 
eastward in order to swing its battlelines into a position 
of rest upon the western banks of the river as the sta- j 
tionary fighting pivot of the whole forward movement. * 
It is a delicate task involving a skillful tactical maneuver 
calculated to bring into play the experience gained by 
the Illinois troops during their apprenticeship with the 



33rd division 323 



Australians in operations in the vicinity of Amiens. 
Plunging Into Attack 

Plunging down the steep slopes of FORGES CREEK 
into the swampy marshlands of the plain below, as the 
rolling barrage, with its crashing crescendo, descends 
upon the German lines, the Illinoisans perform a 
remarkable feat at the very outset of the attack. In the 
midst of a perfect storm of artillery projectiles from 
the heights east of the Meuse and a hurricane of ma- 
chine gun bullets assailing them through the fog from 
the enemy's positions in front, they wade and plough 
their way through the muddy lowlands to the wire 
entanglements protecting the German lines. With 
duckboards thrown down upon the belts of wire pro- 
viding a swift passage across the entanglements and 
with wire-cutters and bayonets cutting gaps through 
the obstacles, they negotiate the defenses under a 
galling fire. 

Sweeping On 

With only a temporary delay, the attack sweeps on 
toward the BOIS de FORGES, a woodland stronghold 
lying directly in the path of the division. Impregnable 
to direct assault and held in strong force by the enemy, 
the woods must be outflanked and enveloped in the 
turning movement which the tactical mission of the 
division now renders necessary. Perfectly planned, 
the maneuver is brilliantly executed. With the right 
flank advancing slowly along the western banks of the 
Meuse as a moving pivot and the left flank swinging 
eastward on the arc of a great circle toward the river on 
the north, the battlelines soon sweep around the BOIS 
de FORGES, enclosing the woods in a salient. Sur- 
rounded and cut off, the woodland stronghold is quickly 
conquered, and shortly afterwards the division is estab- 
1 ished on the banks of the Meuse for a distance of four 



324 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



and a half miles from FORGES on the north to DAN- 
NEVOUX on the south, with its battlelines, at right 
angles to the general front, facing the artillery-lined 
heights east of the river. 

Brilliant Feat 

Within six hours the division has smashed through 
the formidable defenses of the Hindenburg Line, pene- 
trated over four miles into the enemy's territory against 
terrific resistance, and taken all of its objectives in 
brilliant fashion. 

Trying Ordeal 

With their important and difficult mission thus 
accomplished, it is an infinitely more trying ordeal that 
now confronts the Illinois troops, — the task of remain- 
ing in position anchoring the right flank of the First 
American Army on the banks of the Meuse, holding 
their ground under a constant storm of artillery and 
machine gun fire from the eastern heights as the battle 
sweeps by behind them to the westward and northward 
through the remainder of the First Phase and into the 
Second Phase of the great oflFensive. 

While their own machine guns search the opposite 
slopes for vulnerable targets and their own artillery 
seeks out the enemy's guns hidden among the wooded 
hills beyond, it is an ordeal calculated to test the 
strength, endurance, courage and morale of the stoutest 
troops to remain pinned down to the battlefield when 
heart and soml ache to be up and at the enemy, to see 
comrades fall beneath the fire of an invisible foe safe 
in the security of concealed and protected machine-gun 
nests or distant battery positions, to accept losses 
without being able to exact a similar toll of the assailant. 

Advance Resumed 

Day after day and night after night, the lUinoisani 



32rd division 325 



are thus tested in the crucible of war, — whence comes 
the steel with which victory is achieved, — but finally 
the grueling period ends on October 8th when, at 
9 o'clock in the morning, the division makes a brilliant 
crossing of the Meuse between BRABANT and DAN- 
NEVOUX to participate in the operations against the 
fortified ramparts of the eastern heights. 

In the face of a deadly concentration of artillery and 
machine gun fire, the Illinois troops plunge in to an 
advance northward over the rolling hills toward the 
BOIS de CHAUME, a westward trending stretch of 
theBOISdela GRANDE MONTAGNE, southeast of 
SIVRY-sur-MEUSE. Progress is slow with the enemy 
contesting every foot of ground, sweeping the slopes 
with streams of machine gun bullets and dropping 
high explosive and gas shells among the attacking forces, 
but the division presses resolutely on nevertheless, 
establishing its lines by evening (October 8th) upon a 
solid front of three miles from the BOIS de CONSEN- 
VOYE on the right to the Meuse, a mile south of SI VRY 
on the left. 

Division Pushes On 

Remaming in position the following day, as the 
French and American divisions forge forward from the 
southeast, the division resumes the attack early in the 
morning of October 10th. Meanwhile, however, the 
enemy, taking advantage of the unavoidable delay, has 
made extensive preparations to combat efforts to 
dislodge him from his positions on the heights between 
the Meuse and the Woevre, — whose retention is neces- 
sary to protect a withdrawal of his forces to the north 
and northeast. Immediate and savage resistance is 
therefore encountered by the Illinois troops, all along 
the divisional front, the moment the forward movement 
IS commenced, but in spite of constantly increasing 



326 MEUSE^ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

losses they push determinedly on, making progress 
gradually, conquering the BOIS de CHAUME almost 
foot by foot until finally towards evening the battlelines 
are swept forward in a final rush and established upon 
the slopes to the north beyond with a front of three 
miles, extending eastward from the Meuse to the west" 
ern edges of the BOIS de la GRANDE MONTAGNE. 

Intrenching and Strengthening Our Line 

In anticipation of counter-attacks, especially against 
the exposed right flank, this line is intrenched and 
strengthened during the night and following day 
(October 11 th). With the BOIS de la GRANDE 
MONTAGNE on the east held in strong force by the 
enemy, further general movement northward is impos- 
sible until our forces advancing from the southeast can 
reach points from which to join in a concerted attack 
against positions pouring a deadly enfilade and cross 
fire into the right of the division. 

Division Relieved 

Reconnaissance and patrol operations are actively 
continued and tentative advances are made by the 
131st Infantry toward SIVRY on the left, and by the 
129th Infantry into the woods northward on the right, 
but upon the whole the division remains holding its 
intrenched front, under a constant deluge of fire from 
the enemy, until relief of the battleline units is com- 
menced on October 15th. When the last elements 
of the division are finally relieved on October 21st by 
the 1 5th French Colonials, the Illinois troops withdraw 
from the battlefield, proceeding to the Troyon sector 
for a period of rest and comparative inactivity on the 
St. Mihiel Front, preparatory to participation in the 
operations of the Second American Army west of the 
Moselle in the closing days of the war. 



35th division 327 



Achievement 

In twenty-six days of constant battle, the Illinois 
troops have suffered a loss of 1 6 officers and 369 men 
killed, and 93 officers and 4, 1 57 men wounded and 
temporarily missing, having taken more than a thousand 
prisoners and captured many machine guns and pieces 
of artillery. 

35th DIVISION 

(National Guard troops of Kansas and Missouri. 
Major General Peter E. Traub, Regular Army, of 
New York, commanding. For regiments and other 
units composing division, see page 579.) 

Front Occupied by Division 

With the steep, precipitous, wire-engirdled crests and 
bristling ramparts of the veritable Gibraltar of VAU- 
QUOIS HILL confronting the right flank and with 
the steel-concreted embattlements of the HINDEN- 
BURG LINE facing the left flank, the 35th Division 
is in position for a mile and a half between the RIDGE 
of MAMELON BLANC on the east, and BOU- 
REUILLES on the west, holding a front which has 
probably witnessed as much deadly and sanguinary 
strife as any portion of the Western Front of similar 
extent. 

Battle Ground of Terrible Conflict 

For four years it has been the battle ground of 
terrible conflict waged for the possession of VAU- 
QUOIS HILL, the dominant tactical feature com- 
manding the field, with both sides resorting to every 
device and stratagem possible to warfare in struggles 
surging around and up and down the river slopes, in 
clashes above and below ground, in mining and counter- 
mining, in attacks ^nd counter-attacks, — sanguinary 



328 MEUSE-ARGONNE OF FENSIVE 

Strife In which between 30,000 and 40,000 brave "Poi- 
lus** have gone to their death. Leaving no trace behind , 
the little hamlet once perched upon the crest has been 
swept away by storms of artillery. Deep chasms and 
yawning craters show where dynamite charges were 
detonated and mines exploded, blowing men, both the 
assailants and the assailed, to atoms. Withstanding 
it all throughout the years, resisting all efforts, imper- 
vious to all assaults, still victorious, still defiant, still 
harboring living men behind lines of machine guns, 
trench mortars and field guns, rearing its dark bulk 
mto the midnight sky as the Missourians crawl up to 
the adjacent crests, VAUQU01S» like a sinister sentinel, 
looms before them in the darkness as the prize which 
their ingenuity and skill must bring to its fall at the 
crack of dawn. 

Formidable Task of Division 

Impregnable to direct assault, as its history has 
proved, the fall of the little fortress is destined to be 
accomplished by a swift encircling maneuver around 
both flanks within the first few moments of a smashing 
drive through the Hindenburg Line as a preliminary 
to a swift advance over the rolling hills beyond for the 
capture of the fortified town of CHEPPY and the 
Hagen Stellung, two miles away to the north. 

It is a formidable task for inexperienced troops in 
their first great battle, but with the vigor, courage and 
self-reliance inherited from their pioneering forebears 
of the Middle West, the Kansans and Missourians, 
though faced by the prospect of an attack against one 
of the strongest portions of the front defended by the 
Kaiser's crack troops, including the 1st Prussian Guards 
commanded by Prince Eitel Friedrich, are assailed by 
no doubts^and await ''Zero Hour", confident of success. 



35th division 329 



Preliminary Operations 

Losing no time, the Missourians holding the ridge 
j'n front of VAUQUOIS HILL begin preliminary 
operations the moment the night is turned into an 
inferno of flashing fire and crashing sound by the 
titanic artillery bombardment. Patrols sent down the 
precipitous slopes of MAMELON BLANC worm 
their way forward in the darkness across the shell- 
shattered terrain of "No Man's Land" toward the 
enemy's lines and, quickly cutting gaps through belts 
of wire entanglements, regain the ridge without 
discovery. 

Meanwhile, preparations for the attack, — ^to be made 
by the 69th Brigade in the lead covering the divisional 
front and the 70th Brigade coming behind, supported 
by the 60th Field Artillery Brigade, — are completed. 

Attack Begins 

With a perfect storm of smoke bombs being hurled 
upon VAUQUOIS HILL to blind the defenders and 
a rolling barrage crashing through the enemy defenses 
on both flanks, the attack is launched at dawn as the 
138th Infantry (Missouri troops, mostly of St. Louis) 
plunges down from the ridge into the plains below on 
the right, and the 137th Infantry (Kansas troops) 
drives straight forward from its trenches between the 
fortress and BOUREUILLES on the left. 

Vauquois Conquered in Blinding Fog 

Fog so intense that it is impenetrable to the eye at 
twenty paces enshrouds the lowlands like a mighty 
blanket. While it is an impediment to progress it is 
also a godsend which protects the attacking troops 
from what must otherwise have been an annihilating 
and decimating fire of machine guns from VAUQUOIS 
HILL and the adjoining strongpoint of ROSSIGNOL 



330 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

WOODS, as well as other positions commanding a 
perfect sweep of the field for many miles in every 
direction. Immediate casualties are sustained on the 
inner flanks of the first and second line battalions of the 
two attacking regiments, but these are comparatively 
light as the enemy gunners, ignorant of and only half 
suspecting what is taking place, blinded by the fog, 
and guided in their aim only by instinct, direct an 
uncertain fire in the direction of the sounds carried up 
to them from the plains below. It is too late when 
they realize the truth. For, literally within a few 
moments, in the swift encircling maneuver, VAU- 
QUOIS HILL and ROSSIGNOL WOODS have been 
outflanked, completely cut ofl and isolated, the defend- 
ers being taken unawares when assailed by the mopping- 
up detachments of the 140th Infantry, attacking from 
the east, and the 139th Infantry, attacking from the 
west, leaping upon them suddenly out of the fog as the 
main attacking lines sweep by and beyond on both 
flanks. It is thus that the stronghold which has taken 
toll of so many French lives throughout the years is 
conquered with an ease and swiftness as astonishing 
to our own troops as it is amazing and humiliating to 
the enemy who has, with good reason, considered it, 
impregnable. 

Fog Becomes Serious Impediment 

When the rolling hills and open plains beyond are 
reached, the fog, clinging close to the ground, becomes 
a real impediment, blotting out, as it does, wire entan- 
glements, trenches and ditches until our troops are 
close upon them. Liaison within the attacking regi- 
ments is difficult to maintain and contact with flanking ■ 
units practically impossible ; companies, platoons and ', 
squads, becoming separated, temporarily lose their j 
way ; sonje of them, pressing forward along lines of 



35th division 331 



least resistance, over unblocked roads and paths, 
penetrate into, through and beyond the enemy's 
positions in the concealing fog. 

Our Advance Halted 

In spite of all difficulties, progress is made, especial- 
ly by the Missourians of the 138th Infantry on the 
right whose rapid advance has carried them over and 
through perfect lanes of wire entanglements and 
trenches into an attack upon the forward defenses of 
the Hagen Stellung, when sudden and terrific machine- 
gun fire, bursting upon them from the ridges north of 
the little river BUANTHE, checks them for the first 
time. 

Furious and Deadly Conflict 

In an immediate extension of the battlelines west- 
ward, the second line battalion (1st) rushes forward to 
reinforce the front line battalion (3rd) and the two 
units enter into a conflict which increases in fury and 
deadliness as the fog is gradually dissipated by the rays 
of the oncoming sun. 

Epic Stand by Regimental Headquarters 

Meanwhile, — augmented to a strength of 150 men 
by a platoon of infantry (Co."A") and a platoon of 
machine guns (Co/*B'*, 129th M.CBn.) picked up in 
the fog, — the regimental headquarters, pressing for- 
ward toward the place appointed for its post of com- 
mand, penetrates through the enemy's lines in the fog 
to a point in front of the keypoint strongpoint of the 
Hagen Stellung immediately south of CHEPPY, 
Discovered by the enemy while reconnoitring his 
positions, the little force of Missourians is suddenly 
cut off by a swiftly descending barrage at the rear and 
an annihilating machine-gun concentration on both 
flanks. Immediate cover is obtained in ditches besid^ 



332 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

the road near the bridge crossing the Buanthe Creek 
and in the triangle of two roads apexing a short distance 
to the rear, but these positions oiler only slight protec- 
tion against machine gunners of the Prussian Guards in 
steel and concrete emplacements on the crests of two 
ridges within 150 yards to the right and left front, 
which command a perfect sweep of every foot of the 
immediate foreground. 

Our Losses Terrific, Struggle Continues 

Within the space of a few moments, one-third of the 
Missourians are killed and wounded, but the survivors 
heroically hold their ground. In the gathering sunlight 
the protecting fog disappears. Movement, however 
slight, brings down a hail of bullets on the spot.* For 
three immortal hours, in an epic stand that will forever 
live in the annals of American heroism, with the odds 
overwhelmingly against them, the Missourians resist 
all efforts to dislodge them. With comrades torn to 
shreds by high explosives before their eyes or at their 
sides pierced by bullets, they cling to their positions 
with the heroic determination of sheer desperation, 
though they are gradually reduced by losses in killed 
and wounded until only thirty or forty of them remain 
unhurt. 

Tanks Arrive ; Cheppy Falls 

Towards noon a fleet of eight American and French 
tanks reach the survivors. With these staunch sup- 
ports to aid them, though many of them are wounded, 
they launch an assault which, in spite of their small 
numbers, carries everything before it and results in the 
capture of the enemy's positions with 300 prisoners. 
It is thus that a mere handful of Missourians, — in the 
words of the division commander, — "give an example 
of courage under suffering, and intrepidity and stead- 
fastness of purpose in action, that will make the taking 



35th division 333 



of CHEPPY a never-to-be-forgotten exploit by our 
troops ". 

Progress Continues in Face of Deadly Resistance 

Fighting forward against terrific and deadly resist- 
ance on the east, the two attacking battalions of the 
regiment, having smashed through the forward defenses 
of the Hagen Stellung, are in the meantime assailing 
the enemy's positions on the ridge sweeping south- 
eastward from Cheppy toward the BOIS de CHEPPY. 
With the river BUANTHE as a natural obstacle in the 
immediate front and the southward slopes covered by 
heavy belts of wire entanglements, the ridge, lined with 
machine guns, proves practically impregnable to direct 
assault, but the Missourians, persisting heroically in 
their efforts in spite of increasingly serious losses, 
finally discover weak spots in the enemy's defenses 
through which thrusts are made, resulting in the 
capture of the ridge at noon simultaneously with the 
fall of the keypoint position to left . 

Immediately thereafter CHEPPY, in which every 
house is fortified for defense, is occupied by the regi- 
ment. 

Wonderful Achievement 

Within six hours, the Missourians of the 138th In- 
fantry have smashed through the Hindenburg Line, 
outflanked the fortress of VAUQUOIS, carried the 
Hagen Stellung and seized the stronghold of CHEPPY, 
taking more than 300 Prussian Guardsmen as prisoners 
and capturing fifty anti-tank guns and countless 
numbers of machine guns. 

Kansans Are Advancing 

In the meantime, throughout a grueling morning: 
the Kansans of the 137th Infantry, on the left, are 
carrying the battlelines of the division forward in the 



334 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

western half of the sector, between VAUQUOIS HILL 
and the eastern banks of the Aire. 

Immediately after "Jumping off'* into the fog, the 
regiment sweeps forward over the shell-shattered 
terrain of **No Man's Land" toward the defenses of 
the Hindenburg Line. In spite of the fog, swift pro- 
gress is made, with the Kansans cutting and hacking 
their way through mazes of bristling wire. Within a 
few moments they encounter a powerful barricade of 
concrete, interlaced with steel rails, crossing the road 
to VARENNES. It is a well defended little strong- 
point, which holds out for a brief space, but assailed 
in front and on both flanks, the fortification is soon 
carried. 

Advance Continues 

Leaving behind them this captured position, the 
Kansans sweep forward over the inevitable tangles of 
barbed wire, cutting it where the artillery has left it 
intact, launching an attack shortly afterwards against 
the fortified ruins of BOUREUILLES in which the 
town and two concrete machine gun emplacements 
are swiftly captured. Immediately beyond the town 
another strongpoint is encountered, but this, too, falls 
before the Kansans. With the Hindenburg Line thus 
pierced and the battlefront cleared of immediate 
obstacles, the regiment begins a resolute advance over 
the hills toward VARENNES, with the right flank 
sweeping by VAUQUOIS HILL on the east and the 
left flank following the banks of the Aire on the west. 
In t he dense fog it is difficult to maintain liaison, but 
fair progress is made until the attacking units, advanc- 
ingsmore or less independently, encounter formidable 
resitance from the ruins of VARENNES, on the east 
bank of the Aire, and from concealed machine-gun 
nests to the north and eastward of the town. 



35th division 335 



We Are Halted 

With the gradual lifting of the fog, disclosing the 
approaching troops to the enemy, opposition increases, 
becoming so deadly that the advance is first checked 
and finally halted before VARENNES. Meanwhile, 
German artillery in position on the heights of the 
Argonne west of the Aire brings down a terrific deluge 
of high explosive and gas shells upon the attacking 
forces, inflicting serious losses among them, but, 
persisted in, the attack is pushed forward, and finally, 
with the aid of tanks, VARENNES is captured towards 
noon. P 

Swift Advance 

In a **passage of lines", the 139th Infantry (Kansas 
and Missouri troops) takes the lead in the western half 
of the divisional sector and, though assailed by heavy 
artillery and machine-gun fire from practically every 
point of the compass, makes a swift advance which 
carries the left flank of the division northward over 
the hills west of CHEPPY in time to move forward 
with the right flank upon a strong and reunited front 
when the attack is resumed early in the afternoon 
(September 26th). i 

Forging Ahead Against Heavy Opposition 

With brilliant sunshine flooding the battlefield, 
giving the enemy the advantage of clear visibility for 
accurate fire from perfectly sighted positions, the 
attacking lines immediately encounter heavy opposition 
especially against the flanks, from German batteries 
on the wooded heights west of the Aire on the left and 
artillery positions among the hills around VERY on 
the right. Forging resolutely on nevertheless, the 
Kansans and Missourians, accepting losses as inevitable, 
gradually push their battlelines northward. 



336 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



Weakened and Exhausted, Our Men Make 
Final Spurt 

With a decrease in machine gun resistance as the 
afternoon wanes, our troops, determined to gain 
commanding positions before evening, though exhaust- 
ed by their efforts and weakened by their losses, throw 
themselves into a final spurt which results in the 
capture of VERY, together with a battery of German 
77's, by the 138th Infantry on the right, and the seizure 
of the hills a mile south of CHARPENTRY by the 
139th Infantry on the left. With darkness coming on, 
the Kansans and Missourians *'dig in", establishing 
the battlelines of the division upon a front of 3,000 
yards which is held under intermittent artillery fire 
throughout the night. 

Brilliant Achievements of First Day 

Within the space of twelve fleeting hours of its first 
day's participation in a great battle, the division has 
achieved brilliant results ; with numerous strongholds 
and strongpoints, including the formidable fortifica- 
tions of VAUQUOIS and CHEPPY, outflanked and 
conquered ; two of the enemy's strongest lines of 
defense, — the, Hindenburg Line and the Hagen Stel- 
lung, — lying shattered and broken behind its battle- 
lines ; prisoners representing three German divisions 
among its captives ; great numbers of machine guns, 
anti-tank guns and pieces of artillery among its trophies, 
and, finally, an advance, against as deadly and savage 
resistance as troops ever encountered, covering three 
milps of fire-swept terrain intersected by wire entangle 
ments and intrenchments and defended by pill-boxes 
and machine gun nests of concrete and steel. 

In this their first crucial test, the Kansans and 
Missourians have acquitted themselves with great 
credit ; the divisional artillery has done its work well. 




a 



o 



< 



c 
O 



35th division 337 



the machine gun units have been effective in defense 
and resourceful in offense, and the battle troops of the 
infantry have proved equal in skill and superior in 
bravery, dash and boldness to the enemy's best forces 
including the much-vaunted Prussian Guards. 

Realization of Trouble Ahead 

With indications of strong reinforcements being 
rushed into the German lines during the night and a 
tremendous increase of artillery and machine-gun fire 
in the early hours of the morning (September 27th) 
the division, undeceived by great success in the initial 
attack, realizes the certainty of powerful, probably 
overwhelming, opposition from an enemy not only 
fully aroused and determined to prevent further 
encroachment upon his territory, but prepared to 
sacrifice his forces to the last man in the desperate 
hope of retrieving lost laurels. Indeed, the enemy's 
intention to contest bitterly every inch of ground 
finds immediate verification in organized and fierce 
resistance when the attack is resumed at daybreak and 
continuous confirmation in deadly opposition there- 
after for a period of four days notable not for additional 
gains by our troops, but desperate and violent conflict, 
savage assaults and counter assaults, bloody repulses 
and counter repulses, accompanied by heavy casualties 
upon both sides, — a sanguinary struggle which contin- 
ues without cessation until the division, weakened 
and shattered by its losses, is withdrawn from battle. 

Advance Stopped 

From the instant the advance is begun, — with the 
70th Brigade (139th and 140th Infantry) in the lead,— 
the attacking lines are swept by machine gun fusillades 
and deluged by shell fire. In the initial phase of the 
attack, by dint of the impulse with which it has been 

2L 



338 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

launched, some progress is made, but being supported 
by the barrage fire of only one battalion of artillery, 
which has managed to drag its guns forward during 
the night, the advance soon slows down and is finally 
stopped by heavy machine gun blasts from CHAR- 
PENTRY. 

Determined to Win, We Win 

With the aid of tanks, the attack is resumed at noon, 
but little progress is made, as the tanks are driven 
back by the direct fire of artillery and anti-tank guns. 
Determined to win, the Kansans and Missourians, 
supported b}^ additional tanks, launch another attack 
at 5:30 p.m. It develops slowly, but gradually gathers 
speed, becoming, at length, an onslaught which carries 
the main attacking lines through CHARPENTRY and 
beyond BAULNY, with advanced elements over the 
hills into the southern edges of the BOIS de MON" 
TREBEAU, almost a mile to the north. 

Repulsing Counter- Attack, We Assault 



With its gains strengthened and consolidated upon 
a solid front during the night, the division is able not 
only to repulse a powerful counter-attack at daybreak 
(September 28th), but also to launch a successful as- 
sault against a cluster of machine gun nests upon the 
western edges of the BOIS de MONTREBEAU 
shortly afterwards. Supported by tanks, a similar and 
equally successful attack is made a few hours later 
against machine gun positions upon the eastern edges 
of the woods. 



With the flanks thus cleared, some progress into the 
woods is accomplished during the day, but subjected 
to heavy artillery fire against the left flank from the 



35th division 339 



heights of the Argonne and the village of APREMONT, 
still in the enemy's hands, on the west, by direct shell 
fire against the front from EXERMONT on the north, 
and enfilade machme-gun fire against the right flank 
from the hills on the east, the division is compelled 
to halt as evening comes on, with the center in a salient 
thrust forward into the woods, the right echeloned 
back to CHAUDRON FARM on the east, and the 
left resting at L'ESPERANCE on the west. 
Division in Sore Straits 

With increasingly heavy losses among the officers, 
the division is almost stripped of leaders, regiments 
being commanded by majors and captains, battalions 
by captains and lieutenants, and companies and platoons 
by lieutenants and sergeants. Meanwhile, in successive 
attacks and constant battle, in dense fog in the morning, 
in intense darkness at night, over a shell-shattered 
terrain, through little valleys, ravines, and woods, 
always in the face of deadly resistance, units have 
become intermingled and somewhat disorganized, 
rendering a well-coordinated advance difficult. 
We Attack, But Are Unable to Advance 

In spite of the sore straits in which the division finds 
itself, an attack is launched at daylight the following 
morning (September 29th) with EXERMONT as the 
objective. Immediate opposition, — from machine 
guns and artillery,— of such intensity and deadliness 
develops that a general advance proves impossible. 
Combat patrols are pushed forward nevertheless and 
at three different times during the day, small bodies of 
troops penetrate into EXERMONT, but in each 
instance, assailed by point blank artillery fire upon the 
flanks and threatened by detachments of enemy machine 
gunners working around to their rear, they are compell- 
ed to withdraw. 



340 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Our Men Repulse Counter^Attack 

In the meantime, strong enemy forces are discovered 
gathering for a counter-attack. In order to meet it, 
the battlelines are retired to a strong line of resistance 
prepared by the 1 1 0th Engineers, covering a front of 
two miles and a half, with the right flank resting upon 
the heights of COTE 231 in the BOIS le BOULEAUX 
on the east, the center at CHAUDRON FARM, and 
the left flank at L'ESPERANCE on the west. When 
the blow strikes, it is decisively repulsed by covering 
troops in the BOIS de MONTREBEAU. Nightfall 
finds the Kansans and Missourians holding their lines 
intact. 

Another Counter-Attack Repulsed 

Remaining in position, subjected to a constant storm 
of artillery, during the following day (September 30th), 
the division repulses a vicious counter-attack in the 
morning and thwarts the enemy in repeated efforts to 
"infiltrate" machine gunners into the battlelines during 
the afternoon and evening. 

Division R'elieved 

Relieved during the night by the 1st Division, the 
Kansas and Missouri troops withdraw from the 
battlefield and retire to Cheppy the following day 
(October 1st). 

Casualties 

In five days of as bitter and sanguinary strife as 
American troops have ever experienced, the division 
has suffered the heavy loss of 24 officers and 531 men 
killed, 195 officers and 5,704 men wounded, and 
6 officers and 507 men temporarily missing. 

Achievement 

Wresting positions considered impregnable from 
the possession of crack German troops, smashins 



37th division 341 

through two great defensive lines, penetrating into 
enemy territory, in the face of savage resistance, to a 
depth of five or more miles, taking nearly 1,000 pri- 
soners, and capturing, in addition to a great quantity 
of other military material, 85 machine guns, 100 anti- 
tank guns, 160 automatic rifles, 20 pieces of artillery, 
and 1 complete anti-aircraft battery, the division has 
achieved results constituting a brilliant record in its 
first and only great battle. 

37th DIVISION 
("Buckeye" Division) 

(Ohio National Guard troops. Major General 
Charles S. Farnsworth, Regular Army, of Pennsyl- 
vania, commanding. For regiments and other units 
composing division, see page 579). 

Plunging Into Battle 

From positions upon a front of two miles immediately 
north of the ESNES-VARENNES road, with the center 
at AVOCOURT, the "Buckeye" Division,— filled with 
enthusiasm over the prospect of engaging in conflict 
the Kaiser's famed legions, — plunges into its first great 
battle as the rolling barrage, winging its flight toward 
the Hindenburg Line, initiates the First Phase of the 
offensive at daybreak September 26th, 

Swift Advance 

With a swift advance over "No Man's Land", the 
Ohioans assail, storm and carry the first great defenses 
within the first few moments of a spirited attack which 
carries everything before it and, leaving the bewildered 
and fear-stricken defenders behind to be scooped in by 
"mopping up" detachments, drive their battlelines 
deeply into the dark fog-shrouded fastnesses of forest- 
clad hills, ridges, and ravines before being checked in 
their impetuous advance by mazes of barbed -wire 



342 Meuse-argqnne offensive 

entanglements interlaced with the trees, bushes and 
underbrush of the BOIS de MALANCOURT on the 
right, the BOIS de SEPTSARGES in the center, and 
the BOIS de BETHINCOURT on the left. 



It is a veritable jungle of obstacles, — a combination 
of the works of Man and Nature,— that confronts the 
division and for a time delays its forward movement, 
but by a skillful use of wire-cutters, bayonets, and riRe 
butts all difficulties are quickly overcome. Within a 
brief interval of time, — really a breathing spell for the 
**Buckeye'* troops after the swiftness of their initial 
drive through the Hindenburg Line, — the advance is 
resumed and, pressing forw^ard into the gloom by 
detachments in single file and small columns, seeking 
lines of least resistance along woodland roads and paths, 
through little valleys and ravines, the Ohioans regain 
their stride and, with gathering impetus, are soon 
sweeping on toward the defenses of the Hagen Stellung 
running through the forest east and west upon the 
northern ridges of the RAVIN de la FUON straight 
ahead of them, less than two miles away. 

Uncovering Machine Gun Nests 
Stiff little actions occur here and there in the forest 
as the Ohioans in their forward movement uncover nests 
of machine guns hidden away in well concealed posi- 
tions, but these pests are either swiftly crushed out or 
left behind to be subdued and "mopped up" by the 
supports and reserves following in rear of the attacking 
lines. 

Driving Forward Their Battlelines 
While the enemy forces holding the Hagen Stellung, 
forewarned of the impending attack approaching in the 
fog, are prepared to challenge our troops, they prove 



37th division 343 



incapable of withstanding the onslaughts of the Ohioans 
v/ho, untried though they be, once more show their 
mettle by capturing, in record time, the second great 
line of defense in an assault that crushes all resistance 
and drives their battlelines forward through the forest 
toward the Volker Stellung, several miles northward. 

Still Forging Ahead 

With the Germans in frightened alarm over the 
suddenness with which their powerful forward lines 
have been caved in everywhere upon the front of the 
oifensive, mcreasing opposition develops during the 
afternoon, but forging ahead in the face of deadly 
artillery and machine gun fire, the Ohioans succeed in 
piercing the Volker Stellung south of IVOIRY with 
their left flank and seizing the open ridges north of the 
BOIS de MONTFAUCON with their right flank, estab- 
lishing their battlelines upon a solid front of three 
miles, with the towering heights of MONTFAUCON 
looking down upon them, as darkness settles over the 
battlefield. 

With an advance of almost five miles over a difficult 
terrain and the conquest of two strong lines of defense 
and a thrust into the third before nightfall, it is a bril- 
liant first day's battle record for the "Buckeye** Div- 
ision. 

Resuming Attack 

Resuming the attack at daybreak (September 27th) 
the 147th and 148th Infantry of the 74th Brigade drive 
their thrust farther into and finally through and beyond 
the defenses of the Volker Stellung on the left, gaining 
the heights south of IVOIRY and within striking 
distance of the town before halting for a brief breathing 
spell beneath a terrific concentration of artillery and 
machine gun fire at 9 o'clock. 

Meanwhile, the 145th and 146th Infantry of the 73rd 



344 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Brigade, carrying the battlelines of the division forward 
on the right, are assailed by a sudden and forceful 
counter-attack, which results in a savage struggle of 
several hours, waged in the very shadows of MONT- 
FAUCON. Reinforcements from the brigade reserve, 
being rushed forward, plunge into the conflict and, 
while the struggle continues for some time afterwards 
at even odds, the enemy is finally repulsed and driven 
northward in retreat. In swift pursuit, the Ohioans 
of the 73rd Brigade drive forward, seizing the heights 
of HILL 256, northeast of IVOIRY, as their comrades 
of the 74th Brigade, on the left, having resumed their 
attack, sweep into and capture the town at noon. 

Deadly Resistance Encountered 

Immediately afterwards, the flanking units of the 
73rd Brigade, supported by tanks and preceded by a 
machine gun barrage, launch an assault against MONT- 
FAUCON from the west in cooperation with the 
79th Division on the right, assailing the stronghold I 
from the south and east. Formidable and deadly " 
resistance is encountered, but persisting in the attack, 
the Ohioans gradually scale the shell-shattered slopes 
and, finally gaining the ridge at 1 :30 p.m., occupy the 
western portion of the town on the crest in time to join 
hands with the Southerners of the 79th in **mopping 
up** the stronghold during the afternoon. 

With the capture of MONTFAUCON, pressure 
against the right flank of the "Buckeye" Division is 
considerably relieved, but from positions to the north, 
-the village of CIERGES, the BOIS d'EMONT and 
the BOIS de BEUGE, all held in strong force by the 
enemy, with machine guns and artillery, — the forward 
battlelines are deluged with a terrific fire that becomes 
so deadly towards evening that advanced elements are 
withdrawn from HILL 256 under the cover of darkness. 



37th division 345 



Meanwhile, however, a powerful line of resistance has 
been organized among the shattered defenses of the 
Volker Stellung along the road between MONTFAU- 
CON and IVOIRY. 

Impossible To Dislodge Ohioans 

Determined efforts are made to blast the Ohioans 
from this line by furious concentrations of gas and 
high explosive shells repeatedly brought down upon 
them during the night. Heavy losses are sustained, 
but clinging desperately to their positions, the Ohioans 
fight a successful defensive battle, being greatly aided 
therein by the gallant work of two French officers and 
eight "Poilus" of the French Signal Corps, who, con- 
verting four captured German 150mm. (6-inch) guns 
to use, exchange blow for blow with the enemy's 
artillery throughout the night. In the morning (Sept- 
ember 28th), having weathered the storm, the Ohioans 
are holding their line intact. 

Launch Driving Attack 

Leaving the Volker Stellung behind, the "Buckeye" 
troops launch a driving attack through the valley of the 
river ANDON in the direction of CIERGES shortly 
after daybreak, making such rapid progress that within 
half an hour their battlelines have been swept into the 
BOIS de BEUGE, north of the NANTILLOIS- 
CIERGES road on the east, and into the BOIS 
d'EMONTonfhe west, but as leading elements of both 
brigades, pushing forward in the center, approach 
CIERGES several hours later, a perfect storm of 
phosgene and mustard gas shells is brought down upon 
the battlefield, filling the woods and valley with poison- 
ous gas, which blinds, burns, and drops men in their 
tracks. Immediate counter fire is delivered against the 
German batteries by the supporting guns of the 55th 



346 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Artillery brigade. While the enemy's bombardment 
is reduced thereby, progress becomes, for a time, 
impossible through the death-laden clouds of gas 
that settle over the terrain. In the later afternoon, 
however, the 74th Brigade succeeds in makmg a forward 
movement which clears the BOIS d'EMONT of 
skulking machine gunners. With a light line of exhaust- 
ed Ohioans holding the battlefront, the division 
bivouacs on the field in front of CIERGES as darkness 
comes on, with the right flank skirting the north- 
western edges of the BOIS de BEUGE and the left 
flank thrust into the northern portion of the BOIS 
d'EMONT. 

We Are Compelled to Remam in Position 
With the enemy holding positions of superior advan- 
tage everywhere, commanding the battlefield practi- 
cally from every point of the compass, sweeping them 
with machine gun fire from nearby wooded ridges andj 
hills and assailing them with shell fire from the heightsi 
beyond, the Ohioans, reduced by losses and weakened] 
by exertions, remain in position the next day (Septem-j 
ber 29th), conducting only such operations as are neces-j 
sary to maintain their lines intact. 

Ohioans Attack Again, But in Vain 

In an effort to put down a deadly? enfilade fire of 
machine guns against the left flank during the morning, 
an attack, covered by artillery and accompanied by ten 
small tanks, is launched toward the heights north of the 
BOIS d'EMONT. Discovering the maneuver, the 
German batteries instantly open up with a terrific 
deluge of fire in which, at point blank range, the tanks 
are caught as they top the crest of COTE 265, northeast 
of IVOIRY. Five are destroyed and the others are 
compelled to turn back. Later, when an attack is made 



42nd division 347 



through the narrow gap between the BOIS d*EMONT 
and the BOIS de CIERGES by a battalion of infantry 
on the extreme left flank, progress proves impossible 
against the deadly opposition which instantly develops. 

Our Men Forced to Withdraw 

In view of the impossibility of reinforcing front line 
battle units, especially those holding dangerously 
exposed positions far in advance of the general front, 
a withdrawal is made to a strong line of resistance just 
south of the BOIS d'EMONT the following day 
(September 30th). 

Division Relieved 
Relieved during the afternoon and evening, the 
37th Division, completely exhausted, withdraws from 
the battlefield October 1st, retiring to the Pannes Sector 
of the St. Mihiel country, preparatory to participation 
in operations with the French in Flanders. 



In their first great battle the Ohioans have achieved 
the unique distinction of smashing through three of the 
enemy's strongest defensive lines in less than thirty 
hours. In continuous battle for five days, the division 
has taken 1,120 prisoners and captured 13 pieces of 
artillery and 250 machine guns. 

For losses see total casualties, given in historical 
sketch of the division in the Appendix. 



("Rainbow" Division.) 
(National Guard troops of District of Columbia and 
26 States, — ^Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, 
Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, 
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, 
New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, 



348 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE _^ 

Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, 
Virginia, and Wisconsin. Major General Charles 
T. Menoher, Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, com- 
manding. For regiments and other units composmg 
division, see page 579.) 

Going Into Action 

Rushed forward across the battlefield from the corps 
reserve, — thus terminating a role always a difficult one 
for veteran troops to play,-— going into action towards 
the middle of the Second Phase of the great offensive 
to relieve the 1st Division in the fiercely contested 
sector east of the Aire on the night of October 12th, 
the "Rainbow" Division finds itself confronted the 
following morning by the formidable positions of the 
Kriemhilde Stellung running westward from ROMA- 
GNE over the wooded slopes of the COTE de CHA- 
TILLON, thence northward to the fortified heights 
of LANDRES-et-ST. GEORGES. 

In position upon a front of two and a half miles, 
extending from the BOIS de GESNES on the east to 
SOMMERANCE on the west, the battiefront is 
organized during the day with all four of the infantry 
regiments in line, the 84th Brigade with the 1 67th 
(Alabama troops) and 168th (Iowa troops) on the right 
and the 83rd Brigade with the 165th (New York city 
troops) and 166th (Ohio troops) on the left. 

Attack Begins 

Realizing that the enemy, at bay upon his last line of 
defense, is prepared to offer desperate resistance, — 
indeed, to make any sacrifice to hold his ground against 
them, — the *' Rainbow " troops, full of confidence 
nevertheless, jump into the attack at daylight Octobei 
14th with the characteristic dash and spirit that have 



42nd division 349 



carried them to victory upon so many other hotly- 
contested fields. 

'In Grueling Combat 
With the enemy possessing every tactical advantage 
holding positions of great natural strength that domin- 
ate the battlefield everj^where, sv^eeping with their fire 
every hill, clump of woods, road and ravine, — com- 
manding, in fact, every avenue of advance northward, — 
the attack precipitates a struggle in which success 
thereafter is measured not by miles, but literally by 
yards and rods of ground gained by swift thrusts and 
sm.ashing blows or in grueling combat here and there 
along the battlefront of the division. 

New Yorkers and Ohioans Drive Forward 

In the initial assault, the New York and Ohio troops 
on the left flank drive their battlelines forward over 
the rolling uplands north of SOMMERANCE and 
capture their first objective, — HILL 206, — within 
500 yards of the front line defenses of the Kriemhilde 
Stellung in a few hours, but subjected immediately 
afterwards to an almost decimating concentration of 
machine-gun fire sweeping down upon them from the 
ridges south of LANDRES-et-ST. GEORGES, they 
are compelled to *'Dig in'* and hold their positions 
without advancing farther during the day. Simply to 
maintain themselves there, under a constant and deadly 
fusillade from the front and assailed in the flank by a 
terrific enfilade flie from the COTE de CHATILLON 
on the east, is a task calculated to test the morale and 
mettle of the New Yorkers and Ohioans and bring all 
their resourcefulness and experience into play. 

Alabamians and lowans Advance Their 
Battlelines 

Meanwhile, meeting with stiff resistance from the 



350 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

beginning, the Alabama and Iowa troops, attacking on 
the right, push their battlelines gradually northward 
through the machine gun-infested depths of the BOIS 
de ROMAGNE and, capturing the heights of HILL 
288 by noon, drive through the trenches and v/ire 
immediately south of the formidable stronghold of the 
COTE de CHATILLON before evening. 

Struggle Rages 

Forming one of the strongest and most important 
props of the Kriemhilde Line, the COTE de CHATIL- 
LON, resolutely defended by the Third Prussian 
Guards, is the prize for which the 84th Brigade contends 
in a furious struggle waged throughout the followmg 
day (October 1 5th). With young Americans from the 
Sunny South of Alabama and the farm lands of Iowa, 
novices in war, nurtured in ideals of peace, matching 
their wits, skill and courage against the battle-expe- 
rienced Guardsmen of Prussia, innured to combat, 
nurtured in traditions of war, it is a conflict of more 
than passing historical interest. In this, as in all 
human struggles, the best man must win. Impregnable 
to direct assault, the stronghold and its defenders must 
be conquered by ingenuity and therefore operations 
designed to invest, outflank, and finally storm the 
citadel are launched immediately after daybreak (Octo» 
ber 16th). 

Illinoisans, Indianians, and Miimesotians 



With the guns of the Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota 
artillery deluging the crest, searching the wooded 
slopes and crushing through the network of trenches 
and barbed wire below; the Alabama and Iowa troops, 
checked time and again, accepting losses as inevitable, 
gradually gain ground toward the stronghold by 
flanking and encircling maneuvers, «; seizing here and 



42nd division 351 



there a hil! or a clump of woods, here and there a 
trench or a belt of wire, until, at length, the COTE de 
CHATILLON is surrounded. With the Prussian 
Guards at bay, prepared to sacrifice themselves even 
unto the last man, fighting desperately, contesting every 
foot of ground, the Alabamans and I o wans scale the 
slopes and finally in a whirlwind assault storm the crest 
crushing the defenders and capturing the stronghold. 

New Yorkers and OMoans in Sanguinary 
Struggle 

In the meantime, the New York and Ohio troops of 
the 83rd Brigade on the left, still clinging to the exposed 
slopes north of SOMMERANCE, have been engaged 
in a sanguinary struggle in efforts to advance their lines 
under the incessant fire of machine guns and artillery 
from the commanding positions of the Kriemhilde 
Stellung upon the ridges south of ST. GEORGES and 
LANDRES^et-ST. GEORGES. While three succes- 
sive attacks have failed to dislodge the enemy, some 
improvement in actual battleline positions has been 
achieved and patrols, though unable to maintain them- 
selves there, have several times succeeded in pene- 
trating the enemy's forward defenses below the blazing 
ridges. With the brilliant victory of the COTE de 
CHATILLON on the right and a draw in the conflict 
on the left, the battle ends for the day, with our own 
and enemy's troops facing each other in deadlock, as 
darkness closes down on the battlefield (October 16th). 

Fortnight of Ferocious Strife 

In the ensuing conflict, continuing without cessation 
for the following fifteen days, hostilities center in a 
struggle by both sides to maintain their batilelines 
intact one against the other. Infantry clashing with 
infantry engages in ferocious strife upon night raids. 



352 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

patrols and reconnaissance exploits into the temporary 
**No Man's Land'* between the lines ; machine guns 
challenge machine guns in vicious duels for hidden 
positions across the valleys ; artillery exchanges blow 
for blow with artillery in thunderous unison across the 
hills. In the desperate determination with which each 
contends against the other, it is a test of courage and 
endurance between American and Hun, the one 
battling for deathless ideals, the other for he knows 
not what. 

"Rainbow's" Own Arena 

With the hills echoing the sounds of battle night and 
day, the **Rainbow'* Division transforms an area less 
than three quarters of a mile square, — landmarked by 
the villages of SOMMERANCE and ST. GEORGES 
on the west, the ridges of LANDRES-et-ST. GEOR- 
GES on the north, and the crests and wooded slopes 
of the COTE de CHATILLON and the BOIS de 
ROMAGNE on the east, — into an arena of battle 
peculiarly its own, whose soil must be forever sacred to 
more than half the States of the Union by virtue of the 
heroic deeds and willing sacrifices of their sons. 

Division Relieved 

In the inevitable deadlock of conflict in which neither 
side is able to achieve decisive results, the battle lapses 
into stationary warfare towards the end of the month. 
With the enemy's stamina breaking and his morale 
weakening under the strain as the Second Phase of the 
offensive approaches its close, the "Rainbow" troops 
are relieved and withdrawn to the rear (October 30th) 
for a brief respite of rest in the reserve. 

"Rainbow" Troops Return to Battle 

^ Within|one week, however, the division is again on , 
thejway to the front, with the enemy everywhere in jj 



42nd division 353 



retreat before the pursuing forces of the First American 
Army early in November. Relieving the 78th Division 
at noon November 5th upon a front of three miles in 
the vicinity of TANNAY and SY, west of the Bar 
River, the "Rainbow*' troops, losing no time, immed- 
iately take up the pursuit, sweeping the extreme left 
flank of the army northward in a drive which carries 
the battlelines to the northern edges of the BOIS de 
MONT DIEU before evening. 

Novel Experience for Our Battle'-Tried 
Veterans 

It is a novel experience for the battle-tried veterans 
of the 42nd, accustomed as they are to desperate 
conflict and bitter opposition, to encounter only the 
spasmodic resistance of delaying detachments of ma- 
chine gunners or the occasional outburst of long-range 
artillery, as they sweep forward upon the enemy's heels 
the next day (November 6th). In a swift advance over 
hills and plains, through ravines, woods and forests, 
village after village is occupied and left behind and by 
evening, with the Alabama and Iowa troops on the right 
and the New York and Qhio troops on the left, the 
lines of the division, having covered a distance of eight 
miles, are established upon a front of four miles extend- 
ing from the river Bar at CHEVENGES on the west 
to the Meuse at ALLICOURT on the east, within 
striking distance of SEDAN, less than four miles away 
to the north. 

On To Sedan 

Receiving orders during the night to push on regard- 
less of divisional boundaries, the "Rainbows" press 
northward at daylight (November 7th) inspired by the 
hope of occupying SEDAN as the crowning achieve- 
ment of a brilliant battle career. Swift progress is 
made until, as the battlelines sweep over the wooded 

23 



354 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

slopes of the BOIS de la MARLEE on the left and 
rolling hills of the MEUSE at PONT MAUGIS on 
the right, intense machine-gun fire, — from the heights 
northwest and southeast of Sedan, — imposes a sudden 
check upon the advance. Formidable and deadly 
though this resistance is, — representing a last expiring 
eflfort of the enemy, based, perhaps, upon a forlorn 
hope of holding the historic town to the last, — it does 
not prevent the swift thrust by which the New York 
troops penetrate into the town of WADELINECOURT, 
less than a mile away, before nightfall. 

Resigning Coveted Prize to French Comrades, 
"Rainbows*' Retire 

In the meantime, however, — with the coveted goal 
within easy reach of the Americans, — the stern 
mandate of military authority intervenes, and the 
French troops advancing in the valley of the Bar, with 
orders to pass all other forces, become the instruments 
of a retributive Fate destined to retrieve, in a few days, 
the humiliation of the defeat imposed upon France by 
the Bismarckian decree at Sedan in 1870. It is, after | 
all, only just and as it should be. So, resigning the 
prize of Sedan to their French comrades, the troops 
of the famous "Rainbow" Division retire from the 
battlefield (November 9th) as the curtain is about to 
fall upon the Final Phase of the great offensive in the 
closing act of the war. With no regrets, with pride 
in themselves and their division, still pulsing with the 
Spirit of America that brought them overseas Crusading 
for Right, the soldiers of more than half the States of 
the Union turn away from the scene of their last battle 
action, marching away toward the south (November 
10th). 

Casualties 

In the two periods of participation in the Meuse- 



77th division 355 



Argonne Offensive, the division has sustained losses 
of 12 officers and 390 men killed, and 83 officers and 
3,134 men wounded and temporarily missing, having 
taken 250 prisoners and captured 3 pieces of artillery 
t^nd 115 machine guns. 



C'Liberty" Division) 

(National Army troops of New York City. Major 
General Robert Alexander, Regular Army, of Maryland, 
commanding. For regiments and other units com- 
posing division, see page 579.) 

Famous Battleground 

Forming a natural bulwark between the line of the 
Meuse and the flat plains of the Champagne, with its 
embattled ridges rising above the valley of the Aisne 
on the west and the Aire on the east, the great Forest 
of the Argonne, famed in the history of European war 
for the many struggles waged for its possession, is 
destined in time to become equally famous in the 
annals of American warfare. In 1 792, the Republican 
Armies of France held the legions of the Prince of 
Brunswick to the line of its wooded heights. In 1914, 
when Hun hordes invaded France, the armies of the 
Imperial Crown Prince swept over its entire system of 
woods and ridges, and, though the battlelines were 
gradually bent back to the circle of Reims on the west 
and of Verdun on the east, the great woodland strong- 
hold, resisting all efforts throughout the years, is still 
in the enemy's possession as the National Army troops 
of New York City move into the attacking lines of the 
First American Army to participate in the launching 
of the First Phase of the great offensive, on the 
morning of September 26th, 1918. 



356 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Battleline Of Division 

Honored by selection for the seemingly insuperable 
task of driving the enemy from the great forest, in 
cooperation with the flanking operations of the Fourth 
French Army on the west and of the First American 
Army on the east, the "Liberty** Division is in position, 
as the left flank battle unit of the 1 st Corps, upon a five- 
mile front, with the rififht flank at LA FILLEMORTE 
(HILL 285), two mHes west of the NEUVILLY- 
VARENNES road, and the left at a point three- 
quarters of a mile northwest of LA HARAZEE. 

Heterogeneous, But United 

Gathered together from the vast population of 
America's great metropolis, products of the Melting 
Pot of the Races, its ranks made up of rich man, poor 
man, beggar man, master and servant, idler and worker, 
summoned from shop, store, counting rooms, bank and 
office, taken from hovel and palace, apartment and 
tenement, from lodging house and hotel, called forth 
from the slums of the East Side and the aristocratic 
regions of Fifth Avenue, from the sidewalks of the 
Bowery and the pavements of Harlem, the Nation's 
Call to Arms has swept the varied youth of a great city 
into the most cosmopolitan fighting unit that ever 
faced the common foe upon the Western Front to 
battle side by side as comrades for their Country's 
flag. 

They Go Forth Into Battle 

Realizing, as they do, that the great metropolis pins 
its faith on them and appreciating the prospect of bitter 
strife before them, backed by the strength and vigor 
developed in them by months of training, and confident 
in their knowledge of the enemy gained in desperate 
conflict on the Vesle, the young citizen soldiers of the 
"Liberty" Division go calmly forth into their first 



77th division 357 



great battle as the rolling barrage plunges on ahead, of 
them toward the Hindenburg Line, blasting down 
trees, crashing through trenches and razing obstacles 
in their path. 

Sweeping Forward 
Impeded though they are for a while by the fog- 
laden dusk of early morning, they quickly adjust them- 
selves to methodical progression along the lines of 
least resistance and, with increasing impetus, they are 
soon plunging into the mist-enshrouded wilderness 
of the Forest for an attack, swiftly launched, that 
carries them swarming through a wire-entangled jungle 
of underbrush and over a labyrinthian maze ot intrench - 
ments, up precipitous ridges and down into deep 
tortuous ravines. It sweeps them across woodland 
roads and paths, over cog-tramways scaling the hills 
and narrow-gauge railways winding through little 
valleys, through lines of stone and concrete dug-outs, 
past gun pits and machine gun nests, ' 

Penetrating Deeper Into The Forest 

It is a spirited advance that, in spite of the roughness 
of the terrain, penetrates deeper and deeper into the 
gloomy woodland depths, overriding everything in its 
path, scooping in as prisoners everywhere surprised 
and bewildered Huns, stilJ demoralized by the Titanic 
barrage which has brought the Forest crashing down 
about their ears. In spite of the warning signs accom- 
panying the preliminary bombardment, the first Ger- 
mans encountered can scarcely believe that any of their 
opponents, much less the inexperienced Americans, 
possess the temerity to disturb them in their sylvan 
stronghold, so long inviolate, so long secure in its 
strength, so long a safe haven from the storm of conflict, 
and it is with difficulty that their dulled wits grasp 
the reality of the infantry attack which sweeps them 



358 MEUSE-ARGQNNE QPFENSiV£ 

SO swiftly from defenses they had considered impreg- 
nable. 
Overcoming All Obstacles, Advance Continues 

It is only as the initial drive, long since beyond the 
Hindenburg Line, begins to slow down from a natural 
diminution of impetus that the enemy is aiforded an 
opportunity for organized resistance which develops 
as the attacking lines of the division sweep over and 
beyond the fortified camp of BARRICADE PAVIL- 
LION to assail the FOUR ZUBE system of defenses 
stretching between the ABRI ST. LOUIS on the right 
and ST. HUBERT'S PAVILLION on the left a 
quarter of a mile to the north. Defended by skillfully 
concealed machine guns which command every wood- 
land path and sweep through the Forest in every 
direction, these positions, each a bulwark of strength, 
prove formidable obstacles to progress. Resisting 
three successive assaults, the ABRI ST. LOUIS is, in 
a fourth attack, stormed and captured by the 305th In- 
fantry, while the FOUR ZUBE line and ST. HU- 
BERT'S PAVILLION finally succumb to the third 
determined onslaught of the 306th Infantry. With 
these objectives carried, immense quantities of military 
materiel, in barracks, warehouses and camps, fall into 
our hands and the Argonne, to a depth of almost two 
miles, is conquered before nightfall by the "Liberty" 
Division. 

Driving Battlelines Northward 

Resuming their advance in the morning (September 
27th), leaving the forward battlements of the Forest 
defensive system behind them, the New York troops, 
conforming to the operations of the French on the 
west and maintaining liaison with the Pennsylvanians 
on the east, drive their battlelines slowly northward 
during the following four days, making progress daily 



77th division 359 



against fierce machine-gun fire constantly assailing 
them from successive positions concealed in thickets, 
in ravines, behind hills and ridges. 

Our Advance Stopped 

Little organized resistance is encountered, however, 
until the advance uncovers (October 1st) a strong 
system of defenses lying upon the ridges and in the 
ravines of the BOIS de la NAZA east of BINARVILLE. 
In the almost impenetrable wildwood of the Forest and 
without artillery support, a concerted movement 
against the enepy's positions is impossible. Flanking 
and encircling maneuvers are, therefore, resorted to 
and battalions operating in the attacking lines push on 
independent of units upon their flanks, seeking to 
penetrate the German defenses. 

"Lost Battalion** 

Deadly opposition is everywhere encountered, but 
finally in the afternoon of October 2nd a detachment, — 
consisting of the First Battalion of the 308th Infantry^ 
and elements of both the 307th Infantry and the 306th 
Machine Gun battaHon, — finding a weak spot, succeeds 
in piercing the enemy's lines, reaching a position before 
dark on the woodland road running southwestward 
across the forest from APREMONT to BINARVILLE, 
far in advance and out of touch with the units on the 
right and left. In the darkness during the night, 
enemy forces, infiltrating upon the flanks, establish 
themselves with machine guns on the ridge to the 
south, and, surrounding the venturesome Americams, 
isolate and cut them off from their division. In this 
exposed position, at the bottom of a ravine about 
500 yards east of MOULIN de CHARLEVAUX, a 
mile and a half northeast of BINARVILLE, the detach- 
ment, — whose location, for a time uncertain, conferred 



360 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

upon it the title of the "Lost Battalion", — heroically 
holds out against the Hun assailants for five days and, 
though besieged upon all sides, swept night and day 
by decimating fire, suffering untold hardships, refuses 
to surrender in spite of losses constantly reducing its 
numbers to half its original strength. Repeated efforts 
at rescue fail ; food dropped by aeroplanes fall within 
the enemy's lines. Water is obtained only by surrep- 
titious and dangerous sorties into German territory at 
night. With Spartan courage, and unbroken spirits, 
the New Yorkers remain confident and serene, sending 
cheerful messages by carrier pigeons to their comrades 
seeking to come to their aid. Five attacks by the 
1 54th Brigade on October 3rd are repulsed, principally 
because of the lack of adequate artillery support and 
the impossibility of observing the fire of the few guns 
rt has been possible to drag forward in the Forest. 
Similarly, determined efforts upon three succeeding 
days fail. Finally, however, on October 7th, with the 
discovery of a vulnerable point of attack near the 
junction of two ravines west of the BOIS de NAZA, 
detachments of both brigades of the division make 
swift thrusts through the enemy's front, resulting in 
the capture of positions in his rear from which reverse 
fire is quickly directed upon his positions. With their 
own trick thus turned upon them, the Huns beat a 
hasty retreat, and at 9 o'clock in the evening the "Lost 
Battalion" is "found" and rescued. 

Deadlock Broken, Advance Continues 

In addition to breaking a deadlock of five s uccessve 
days, the enemy's defensive system has beenshattered 
by incidental operations, achieving results which,-— 
in connection with the success of the combined efforts 
of the 28th and 82nd Divisions on the right in hurling 
the Germans from the formidable positions of LE 



77th division 36 1 



CHENE TONDU and LA VIERGETTE on the 
eastern flanks of the forest and capturing the heights 
of CHATEL-CHEHERY to the north,— prepare the 
way for a general advance upon the whole divisional 
front. With the Huns in retreat before them, the 
New York troops, completing the clearing of the 
Argonne three days afterwards, push northward, 
encountering no abnormal opposition until the battle- 
lines sweep out of the Forest into the open valley of 
the Aire opposite the strong positions of the Kriem- 
hilde Stellung at ST. JUVIN and GRANDPRE 
(October II th). 

Preparing For General Attack 

In common with all the battle units upon the fighting 
front of the First American Army from the Aire east- 
ward to the Meuse, the 77th Division, holding the 
extreme left flank, remains in position for the following 
two days (October 1 2th- 1 3th) while preparations are 
made for a general attack against the enemy's last great 
line of defense. Meanwhile, artillery, tanks, and other 
supporting units are brought forward. Launched at 
daybreak October 14th, following a powerful artillery 
preparation, the initial assault, though desperately 
opposed, achieves immediate success, — and once more 
the great offensive is under way. 

Plunging Into Conflict Again 

In the midst of a perfect storm of artillery and 
machine-gun fire which its own guns seek to neutralize, 
the "Liberty" Division plunges into the conflict, driving 
its battlelines toward the Aire, occupying CHEVIERES 
on the left and, crossing the river, assailing ST. JUVIN 
on the right. Savage resistance is encountered here, 
but finally the 153rd Brigade in a brilliant attack 
captures the town, as well as a portion of the heights 



%1 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

of HILL 182 to the north beyond, taking 500 prisoners 
in the operation. 

Confronted By Formidable Stronghold 

Meanwhile, the left flank of the division is confronted 
by the formidable stronghold of GRANDPRE, pro- 
tected by the depths of the Aire on the south and by 
an elaborate system of defenses, mounting machine 
guns, mortars and light artillery, upon the commanding 
heights rising above the town on the north. Frontal 
assault being impossible, flanking attacks, supported 
by all the artillery of the division, are launched against 
the stronghold by the 307th Infantry shortly after 
daybreak October 1 5th, but with all the bridges of the 
Aire destroyed and the intervening terrain swept by 
an annihilating fire, little progress is made until after 
repeated gallant efforts in the afternoon when the 
regiment finally succeeds in throwing attacking forces 
across a bend of the river to the southwest simulta- 
neously with a successful flanking thrust which gains 
positions immediately to the south. In the concerted 
attack, — from the west and the south, — made imme- 
diately afterwards (5:30 p.m.) GRANDPRE is captured, 
being fully occupied by the 307th Infantry before 
dark (6 p.m.). ^ 

Division Relieved 

With two brilliant exploits thus successively achieved 
within two days, the "Liberty" Division, having par- 
ticipated in the great offensive throughout the First 
Phase and well into the Second Phase, without respite 
during 20 days of contmuous combat, is relieved 
in the battlelines by the 78th Division on the morning 
of October 16th. Marching southward into the Ar- 
gonne, the New York troops go into bivouac in the 
vicinity of LE CHENE TONDU, in the depths of 



77th division 363 



the Forest stronghold conquered by their gallant and 
heroic work. 

Back To The Battlefield 

Returning to the battlefield for the commencement 
of the Third and Last Phase of the great offensive, 
going into line north of St. Juvin on the night of Oc- 
tober 31st, the 77th Division finds itself upon familiar 
ground, facing strong German positions among the 
hills and ravines of the Agron river in the vicinity of 
CHAMPIGNEULLES. 

Progress Is Slow 

Subjected though they are to a terrific bombardment 
as the attack is launched the next morning, these posi- 
tions prove impervious to direct assault, resisting all 
efforts to capture them. Little progress is therefore 
made, but on the following day (November 2nd) the 
306th Infantry, by flanking thrusts and encircling 
operations, finally succeeds in capturing CHAMPI- 
GNEULLES and the MOULIN de CHAMPI- 
GNEULLES, half a mile beyond the village, turning 
the enemy out of his positions. With the front thus 
cleared, rapid progress toward the north is made, the 
lines of the division being established by nightfall on 
the road between BUZANCY and HARRICOURT. 

Advance Presses Swiftly Forward 

In spite of considerable artillery and machine gun 
resistance the following day, the advance, closely 
supported by the divisional artillery following rapidly 
behind, is pressed swiftly northward, passing through 
ST. PIERREMONT, before the enemy is encountered 
in strong force at OCHES, resisting with machine guns, 
trench mortars and artillery whose fire sweeps the 
front of the advance from the hills northeast of the 
town (November 3rd). In operations carried to a 



364 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

successful conclusion by the 1 53rd Brigade the follow- 
ing day, OCHE^ is nevertheless occupied by the 
307th Infantry in a storm of artillery fire directed by 
enemy aeroplanes swooping above the battlelines 
overhead. Resistance is again encountered at 
STONNE the next day (November 5th), but the town 
is quickly captured and, though the enemy seeks to 
delay the advance by exploding mines at the roadside, 
the New York troops sweep forward, overcoming 
resistance in each town as they pass through LA BE- 
SACE, RAUCOURT, HARAUCOURT and ANGE- 
COURT in a swift drive which carries the battlelines 
to the western heights of the Meuse at REMILLY, 
AILLICOURT, and VILLERS-devant-MGUZON, 
within a few miles of SEDAN, by the evening of 
November 6th. 

Fighting Continues All Night 

Fighting all night, the New York troops clear these 
heights of laggard Germans and, in spite of the des- 
truction of all bridges by the enemy, throw patrols 
across the river before morning. In the midst of a 
maelstrom of artillery the engineers, laboring heroi- 
cally, build footbridges over which a battalion of the 
306th Infantry gains the eastern banks, occupying 
the heights above AMBLIMONT by nightfall (Nov- 
ember 7th). However, this position being too hazar- 
dous, the battalion is withdrawn. Maintaining small 
patrols on the east bank, the division remains holding 
the western heights of the Meuse for a distance of 
seven miles, from MOUZON on the south to PONT 
MAUGIS on the north, until the Last Phase of the 
offensive ends. When the hour of the armistice strikes 
at 1 1 o'clock November 1 1th, sounding the death-knell 
of German militarism, the young men of New York 
City thus find themselves at the gates of SEDAN. 



78th division 365 



Casualties 

In thirty-one days of terrific battle, ihrough the 
wilderness of the Argonne and over the hills and plains 
of the Aire Valley, the "Liberty** Division has sustained 
a total loss of 44 officers and 974 men killed and 124 
officers and 3,859 men wounded and temporarily 
missing. 

Achievements 

While the "Liberty'* Division has taken more than 
700 prisoners and captured the large number of 44 
pieces of artillery and 252 machine guns, in addition 
to seizing great quantities of military stores from the 
enemy, it is not by these material things, as much as 
by their defiance of danger, fortitude in the midst of 
hardships, and determination in the face of well-nigh 
insuperable opposition, that history will measure the 
achievements of the New York troops in battle. 

78th DIVISION 

("Lightning** Division) 
(National Army troops of New Jersey, Delaware and 
New York. Major General James H. McRae, Regular 
Army, of Georgia, commanding. For regiments and 
other units composing division, see page 579.) 

Orders Received to Proceed to Battlef ront 

With the battlelines in temporary deadlock before 
the formidable defenses of the Kriemhilde Stellung in 
the midst of the Second Phase of the great offensive, 
the 78th Division, in corps reserve at MONTBLAIN- 
VILLE and VARENNES, receives orders October 15th 
to move immediately forward to relieve the "Liberty 
Division on the extreme left flank of the First American 
Army. 

Plunging Into Desperate Strife 

Impeded by darkness and fog on shell-shattered 



366 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

roads winding in and out of dense forests over the hills 
through valleys and ravines, the northward march is 
greatly delayed during the night, but reaching the 
battlefront shortly after daybreak the men of the 
"Lightning*' Division are soon plunged into a veritable 
vortex of desperate strife centering in that bitterly- 
contested little theater of conflict around GRANDPRE, 
the BOIS des LOGES, and CHAMPIGNEULLES. 

Difficult and Hazardous Task 

In the midst of a deluge of fire from the commanding 
positions of the Kriemhilde Stellung, the relief of the 
forward battlelines proves a difficult and hazardous 
task, and while it is in process the enemy takes advan- 
tage of the opportunity to infiltrate his forces into our 
front at many points, especially at GRANDPRE, 
which the Germans, — protected by machine guns and 
artillery on the heights rising above the town imme- 
diately to the north, — reoccupy in strong force upon 
the heels of the retiring New York troops. 

Entering Strenuous Struggle 

When the attack is launched upon a front of three 
and a half miles on the morning of October 1 6th, with 
the 309th Infantry, supported by the 310th Infantry, 
movini? against the BOIS des LOGES, just west of 
CHAMPIGNEULLES, and the 311th Infantry, sup- 
ported by the 312th Infantry, undertaking to recapture 
GRANDPRE, the division enters a struggle replete 
with attacks and counter-attacks in which points are 
taken and lost and taken again as the **Lightning'* j 
troops day after day contend against an enemy possess- ! 
ing all the advantages of fire and position over the 
battlefield. 

We Are Compelled to Withdraw 

In the BOIS des LOGES, virtually a part of the 



78th division 367 



Kriemhilde Stellung, the 309th Infantry battles against 
great odds for four days, but finding it impossible to 
penetrate beyond the southern edges of the woods, 
enfiladed as it is by an annihilating cross-fire of machine- 
guns from BELLEJOYEUSE and des LOGES 
FARMS on the west, and from the stronghold of 
CHAMPIGNEULLES on the east, the regiment is 
eventually compelled to withdraw to the ST. JUVIN- 
GRANDPRE road, on the evening of October 20th, 
In the meanwhile, in the operations around GRAND- 
PRE, the 311th Infantry has succeeded in regaining 
the lower part of the town, but the Citadel upon the 
heights still remains in the enemy *s hands. 

Our Troops Checked 

In spite of intense preparation fire maintained upon 
the enemy's positions by the division, corps and army 
artillery for a period of twenty-one hours preceding it, 
an attack launched on October 1 9th against the heights 
dominating GRANDPRE and the strong-points beyond 
fails to make progress, the Infantry, in their efforts to 
advance, being checked by point-blank machine-gun 
fire and exploding hand grenades. 

We Finally Succeed 

Similarly, another effort against the Citadel on Oc- 
tober 23rd is frustrated, but, finally on October 25th, 
the Second Battalion of the 311th Infantry succeeds, 
by determined assault, in driving its battlelines over 
TALMA HILL and into edges of the BOIS de 
BOURGOGNE north and northwest of GRANDPRE. 
Flanked out of their extremely strong bulwark of 
defense by this successful operation, the Germans at 
length withdraw from their positions, and GRAND- 
PRE, one of the most bitterly contested points of the 
battlefield, passes definitively into our possession. 



368 MEUSE^ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

__ Battlelines Stabilized 

With the Kriemhilde Stellung thus finally broken, 
the battlelines settle down into stabilized warfare for 
the remainder of the Second Phase of the offensive. 
Preparations for General Advance 

In the meantime, preparations are rushed through 
for a great general forward movement upon the whole 
Army front to be launched November 1st. 

Mission of Division 

In the plan of attack initiating the Third and final 
Phase of the offensive, it is the mission of the 78th Di- 
vision to drive its battlelines northward along the 
eastern flanks of the BOIS de BOURGOGNE, in 
conjunction with a similar operation of the Fourth 
French Army along the western edges of the forest. 

Desperate Resistance Encountered 

While the attack, when launched at daybreak Novem- 
ber 1st, after a tremendous artillery preparation, 
meets with immediate success elsewhere along the 
battlefront, desperate resistance is encountered by the 
"Lightning" Division on the left flank in its operations 
against the enemy's strong flanking buttress in the 
BOIS de BOURGOGNE. In spite of the fact that the 
forest has been soaked with yperite gas by the divisional 
artillery, the Germans, in desperate determination, 
hold their ground against the 309th and 3 1 0th Infantry 
throughout the day, so that evening still finds the two 
regiments struggling against deadly opposition south 
of the BOIS des LOGES. 

Division Advances Ail Along Line 

In the meantime, however, the 311th Infantry, on 
the left, succeeds in driving a thrust into the gap be- 
tween the BOIS de BOURGOGN Eand the norths 
western edges of thelBOIS des LOGES. Flanked by 



78th division 369 



this operation and threatened by a shattering of his 
defenses farther east, the enemy withdraws from the 
stronghold of the BOIS de BOURGOGNE during the 
night, retreating toward the north. In the immediate 
pursuit, the 312th Infantry' on the extreme left, makes 
a swift advance along the eastern flanks of the forest, 
while the 309th and 310th Infantry, pushing forward 
through the BOIS des LOGES, so long their battle- 
ground, capture BEFFU-et-MORTHOMME in the 
morning and, pressing swiftly on, take BRIQUENXY 
in the afternoon, establishing their battlelines half a 
mile north of the village before evening. 

Resuming Advance, We Sweep Forward 

Resuming the northward advance early in the morn- 
ing (Nov. 3rd), swift progress is made, in spite of the 
fact that roads have been blown up by mines, and by 
noon American and French patrols meet at BELLE- 
VILLE-sur-BAR and later, after dark, at CHATIL- 
LON-sur-BAR. Keeping pace with the '^Liberty" 
Division on the right, encountering only occasional 
resistance imposed by delaying detachments of machine 
gunners, swiftly overcome without serious loss or delay, 
the 78th Division, with its left flank sweeping the 
eastern edges of the valley of the BAR RIVER, drives 
its battlelines swiftly forward on November 4th, 
occupying in quick succession the towns of GERMONT, 
AUTHE, BRIEULLES-sur-BAR, VERRIERES and 
LES PETITES ARMOISES, before encountering 
strong resistance from enemy positions in the BOIS de 
SY, towards evening. 

Division Relieved 

While still engaged in an attack against the German 
positions at noon, November 5th, the center having 
just taken the woods and the village of SY to the north, 
and the left flank having captured TANNAY, the 



24 



370 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



"Lightning" Division is relieved by the "Rainbow" 
(42nd) Division. 

Casualties 

In twenty-one days of savage conflict, the division 
has suffered a loss of 1 4 officers and 479 men killed and 
1 29 officers and 4,567 men wounded and temporarily 
missing. 

Achievement 

With the credit of having finally conquered the 
formidable positions supporting the left flank of the 
Kriemhilde Stellung, the enemy's last great line of 
defense, the division has taken 544 prisoners and 
captured 4 pieces of artillery and 40 machine guns. 

79th DIVISION 

(National Army troops from Virginia, Maryland, 
and District of Columbia. Major General Joseph 
E. Kuhn, Regular Army, of Kansas, commanding. 
For regiments and other units composing division, 
see page 579.) 

Smashing Through Hindenburg Line 

With the towering heights of MONTFAUCON as 
its goal, the 79th Division, in position upon a front of 
three miles, the right flank on the hills south of MA- 
LANGOURT and the left flank in the BOIS d*AVO- 
COURT, jumps into an attack, as the First Phase of 
the offensive begins, which carries its battlelines 
smashing through the Hindenburg Line so swiftly 
that before noon MALANCOURT has been captured 
and left behind, with the attacking forces, in another 
hour, assailing positions of the Hagen Stellung on the 
southern and western edges of the BOIS de CUISY. 

Advance Temporarily Checked 

While the advance is for a while held up by snipers 
and machine gunners in well concealed positions/these 



79th division 371 



are eventually overcome with the aid of tanks and by 
6 o'clock in the evening the front lines of the division 
are upon the northern edges of the woods, with the 
slopes of MONTFAUCON just ahead. 

Our Men Attack Mighty Citadel 

In the overhanging smoke and dense mists rolling 
up from the valleys and ravines, contact between units 
has been difficult to maintain, but a reorganization of 
the attacking lines is quickly effected with a view to an 
assault against the great stronghold before the moral 
effect of victory in the initial attack is lost. Without 
the aid of its artillery, — still struggling over the trenches 
cind shell-holes of "No Man's Land", — it is a formid- 
able task that confronts the division, but the attempt 
is nevertheless made at dusk, when the men of the 
313th Infantry, accompanied by two tanks, charge 
forward against the flaming trenches and emplacements 
of the mighty Citadel. 

We Are Forced to Fall Back 

While they succeed in reaching the slopes, they soon 
find themselves in the midst of a storm of artillery, 
being assailed by machine gun bullets and hand gre- 
nades from the crests towering above them. With 
heavy losses, they are finally compelled to fall back 
upon the lines of the division established, in the mean- 
time, in the valley below. 

Attacking Again, Our Men Succeed 

In preparation for another assault, word is sent back 
to the heavy batteries in the rear, resulting in a concen- 
tration of high-explosive and gas shells upon the crests 
early in the morning (September 27th) which blinds 
the observing eye of MONTFAUCON. With the strong- 
hold being raked by this artillery preparation, the 
3 1 3th Infantry once more assaults the slopes and' 



372 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

though a rain of bullets and hand grenades descends 
upon them, they persist in a gradual upward climb 
which finally carries them over the crests and into the 
Citadel by 1 1 o'clock in the morning. With the enemy 
thus hurled from his mighty stronghold, German, 
instead of American, shells are soon fallmg upon 
MONTFAUCON from artillery positions to the 
north. 

Uaable to Overcome Enemy's Terrific Resistance 
Protected by a rolling barrage thrown down in front 
of them by their own artillery, the 313th and 314th In- 
fantry push forward in the afternoon toward the BOIS 
de BRUGES and NANTILLOIS, but, exhausted by 
their previous efforts and weakened by their losses, 
they are unable to overcome the terrific resistance with 
which the enemy opposes their advance. 

Resuming Attack, We Press On 

Changing front-line regiments during the night, the 
attack is resumed in the morning (Sept. 28th), 
with the 315th Infantry on the right and the 316th 
Infantry on the left. With enemy low-flying aero- 
planes machine-gunning our battlelines and the whole 
area being raked by artillery fire directed by a balloon 
hanging in the sky to the northwest, our troops press 
resolutely on until NANTILLOIS is captured by the 
right flank at 1 1 o'clock and the BOIS de BRUGES 
carried by the left flank in the afternoon. 

Advance Finally Stopped 

With only a temporary delay to consolidate their 
new positions, the advance is continued during the 
afternoon, being finally stopped before the formidable 
defenses of the Kriemhilde Stellung, supported in this 
sector by the strongpoints of the BOIS de FAYS on the 
right, the BOIS des OGONS in the center, and the 



79th division 373 



BOIS de CUNEL on the left, with the FERME-de- 
la-MADELEINE, as the key-point position of the 
defensive system. 

We Attack in Vain 
In the first attack launched against these strong 
defenses by the 315th Infantry, supported by a fleet of 
tanks, little progress is possible against an overwhelming 
concentration of machine guns, anti-tank guns and 
artillery, which not only stops the Infantry, but also 
destroys two of the heavy tanks and puts three of the 
lighter ones out of action. 

Our Men Attack Again, but Have to Retire 

In a second attack no better results are obtained. 
Meanwhile, long-range artillery fire from the eastern 
heights of the MEUSE enfilades the divisional front, 
compelling a withdrawal of the battlelines before night- 
fall to the reverse slopes of HILL 274 to the south. 

Impossible to Dislodge Enemy 

In spite of an all-night bombardment by our Corps 
and Divisional Artillery, assailing the German positions 
with a perfect deluge of gas and high-explosive shells, 
the enemy succeeds in holding out against determined 
efforts to dislodge him the next day (September 29th). 

Our Advanced Positions Untenable 

While the 315th and 316th Infantry succeed in 
driving their battlelines into the BOIS des OGONS 
and through the woods to the northern edges, clearing 
it temporarily of machine guns during the day, it proves 
impossible for them to maintain themselves in their 
advanced positions under a terrific deluge of machine 
gun bullets from the FERME-de-la-MADELEINE and 
blasts of enfilade and cross-fire from all other directions 
and, therefore, darkness finds the front lines of the 
division clinging to the open slopes only a few hundred 



374 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



yards in advance of the positions held durine the 
previous night. 

We Try Again In Vain To Crack 
Enemy's Line 

In preparation for another attack, the 3 1 6th Infantry, 
reduced from a normal strength of 3,600 to less than 
one thousand effectives, is relieved in the battlelines 
by one of the reserve regiments but, though desperate 
eiforts are made upon the following day (September 
30th), the mfantiy of the division is too exhausted to 
make progress against the well-organized opposition 
of the enemy and, threatened by a counter-attack, the 
divisional front is withdrawn to the northern edges of 
the BOIS de BEUGES during the afternoon. 

Division Relieved 

Relieved, as the First Phase of the offensive ends, 
the 79th division retires from the battlefield September 
30th for a brief period of rest at the rear. 

79th Returns to Battle 

Returning to battle again for participation m the 
operations east of the MEUSE in the Third and final 
Phase of the offensive, the 79th division goes into 
position on the nisiht of October 28th upon the southern 
edges of the BOIS de la GRANDE MONTAGNE, 
relieving the 29th division. 

Division Launches General Attack 

Remaining in line for the next seven days, the 
division launches a general attack against the enemy's 
positions in the forest early in the morning of Novem- 
ber 4th. Protected by a concealing fog and preceded 
by a destructive rolling barrage, the assault makes 
some progress in its initial stages, but form.idable; 
opposition soon develops, resulting m a savage struggle' 
which is waged more or less continuously throughout 



79th division 375 



the day, during the night, and into the next morning, 
when the 316th and 315th Infantry finally conquer 
HILL 378. 

Repulsing Vicious Counters-Attacks 

Vicious counter-attacks made by the enemy from 
the SOLFERINO FARM and the CANIF TRENCH 
being repulsed during the day, the division holds and 
consolidates its gains during the night (November 5th). 

We Launch Another Attack 

With an attack launched by the division the following 
day, another struggle is inaugurated, continuing until 
November 7th, when ei^orts persisted in all day result 
in the capture of the enemy's positions at SOLFERINO 
FARM and upon the ridge of LES CLAIRS CHENES 
before evening. 

Division Line of Attack Diverted 

Meanwhile, the heights immediately east of the 
MEUSE having been conquered by other divisions, 
the 79th division is ordered to divert its offensive on 
the morning of November 8th to a direction almost 
due east for the conquest of the spurs of the plateau 
running out into the plain of the WOEVRE. With 
an artillery preparation of several hours preceding it 
and accompanied by a powerful rolling barrage, the 
attack is launched early in the morning with battalions 
of all four of the infantry regiments in the assaulting 
lines. 

Making Swift Progress 

In view of the commencement of a retreat by the 
enemy, swift progress is made, and by nightfall (No- 
vember 8th), with an advance of almost four miles, 
the divisional front is established upon the eastern 
edges of the heights extending from FLABAS on the 
south to the woods between REVILLE and ECIJREY 



376 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

on the north. Resumed the next morning, the forward 
movement continues without serious opposition down 
into the valley of the THEINTE RIVER, finally 
coming to a halt before the elaborately-fortified and 
rugged line of heights extending southeastward from 
DAMVILLERS to ROMAGNE-sous-le^XOTES, 
with the heights of the COTE de MORIMONT as the 
dominant feature of a strong defensive system. 

Enemy's Last Strong Defensive Line 

In possession of commanding positions upon hills 
rising to heights of a thousand or more feet, the enemy 
stands upon his last strong defensive line in the imme- 
diate front of the division. 

Armistice Halts Hostilities 

Spending the day (November 10th) maneuvering 
into favorable assaulting positions, the division 
launches an attack early the next morning which is 
progressing rapidly toward success, with the right flank 
advancing beyond CHAUMONT-devant-DAMVIL- 
LERS, and the 315th Infantry half-way up the slopes 
of COTE de MORIMONT, when the armistice brings 
hostilities to an end at 1 1 o'clock. With the troops of 
the 79th division well on the way to the capture of the 
important German railway at SPINCOURT, the war 
thus comes to its close. 

Achievement 

In two periods of brilliant participation in the great 
offensive, the division, in addition to conquering the 
enemy's greatest individual stronghold (MONTFAU- 
CON) in the Meuse-Argonne Sector, has taken 400 
prisoners and great quantities of military materiel, in- 
cluding 35 pieces of artillery and 266 machine-guns. 

^ Casualties 

Ip twenty days of battle the division has sustained 



80th division 377 



a loss of 10 officers and 453 men killed, 32 officers and 
1,722 men wounded, and two officers and 461 men 
temporarily missing. 

80th DIVISION 

("Blue Ridge" Division) 

(National Army troops of Pennsylvania, West Vir- 
ginia, and Virginia. Major General Adelbert Cronk- 
hite. Regular Army, of Arizona, commanding. For 
regiments and other units composing division, see 
page 579.) 

With Common Heritage of Ideals, 
They Enter Battle 

Sharing a common heritage of ideals for which their 
forebears fought side by side in the Continental Army 
of the Revolution under Washington and Lafayette and 
upheld later when together they bore the brunt of the 
War of 1812, — with mutual respect in no wise dimin- 
ished by memories of strife in which their fathers 
tested each other's mettle when the sturdy "Bucktails" 
of Pennsylvania under McClellan, Meade and Grant 
met the dauntless legions of Virginia under Lee and 
Jackson upon the battlefields of the war between the 
North and the South, — the men of the " Blue 
Ridge" Division, associated together in a battle unit 
for combat against the enemy of Civilization, plunge 
into an assault against the Hindenburg Line upon a 
front of a mile and a half east and v/est of BETHIN- 
COURT as the rolling barrage inaugurates, at day- 
break September 26th, 1918, the First Phase of Amer- 
ica's greatest battle. 

Smashing Through Hindenburg Line 

With the Pennsylvanians of the 319th and 320th In- 
fantry (160th Brigade) leading the way, — supported 
by a descending curtain of shells from the batteries of 



378 MEUSE^-ARGQN Hte OFFENSIVE 

the 315th Field Artillery Brigade (West Virginians) 
and protected by a screen of bullets from the machine 
guns of the 313th (Pennsylvanians) and 314th (Vir- 
ginians) Machine Gun Battalions, — the attacking 
forces sweep swiftly over the defenses of the Hinden- 
burg Line, smashing through a maze of intrenchments 
and wire entanglements of the Hagen Stellung beyond, 
covering half the distance to the Corps objective before- 
being slowed down by fusillades of fire against the right 
flank from the BOIS de FORGES and the BOIS JURE. 
With the aid of the "Blue Ridge" machine gunners this 
resistance is overcome by noon, when the attacking 
lines press forward, making rapid progress until 
checked by strong artillery and machine gun fire 
from the formidable positions of the Volker Stell- 
ung, upon the wooded heights south of NANTIL- 
LOIS and DANNEVOUX. 

Following a brief artillery preparation, an attack is 
launched in the afternoon, inaugurating operations 
which carry the right flank of the division to the Meuse 
beyond DANNEVOUX and the left flank into the 
eastern edges of the BOIS de SEPTSARGES by 
midnight. 

Shattering Other Enemy Defenses 

With the divisional artillery brought forward by the 
West Virginians into supporting positions the following 
morning (September 27th), the Pennsylvanians of the 
160th Brigade launch another attack in the afternoon 
which results in shattering the Volker Stellung and 
sweeping the battlelines forward through the fortified 
woodlands south of BRIEULLES before evening. 

Germans Counter-Attack, But Are Repulsed 

In the midst of an artillery storm from the com- 
manding enemy positions east of the Meuse, a forceful 
rjerman counter-attack is launched against the division 



80th division 379 



from the direction of BRIEULLES early the next 
morning (September 28th), but in a swift rally the 
Virginians and Pennsylvanians repulse the Huns, 
driving them from the field. 

Enemy Stronghold Attacked ; Desperate 
Fighting Follows 

Immediately afterwards the division resumes oper- 
ations against the stronghold of BRIEULLES, resulting 
in a struggle which continues more or less intermit- 
tently throughout the day. Desperate resistance is 
encountered everywhere. Flanking artillery and ma- 
chine-gun fire from BRIEULLES, on the Meuse, and 
from positions in VILpSNES and the BOIS de CHA- 
TILLON, across the river, as well as deadly opposition 
against the exposed left flank from the heights on the 
west, renders progress difficult, but by persisting in 
repeated attacks the Army objectives of the day are 
carried, with the right flank, before nightfall, resting 
on the Meuse opposite SIVRY on the east and the 
left flank holding the northern edges of the BOIS-de- 
la-COTE LEMONT on the west. 

Division Relieved 

In these positions, with its battlelines constantly 
deluged by artillery and machine-gun fire, the division 
is relieved during the night, retiring before daylight 
(September 29th) to the vicinity of Cuisy for a brief 
rest. 

Achievement 

In three days of brief participation in the First 
Phase of the offensive, the "Blue Ridge" troops have 
achieved brilliant results against no fewer than three 
enemy divisions, taking 850 prisoners and capturing 
16 pieces of artillery, 7 mortars, 77 machine guns and 
5,000,000 rounds of small arms ammunition, seizing 



380 MEUSE-ARGO NNE OFFENSIVE 

also an ammunition dump on the banks of the Meuse 
valued at S 1 0,000,000. With characteristic! enter- 
prise the division prepares much of this material for 
use against the enemy in forthcoming operations. 

Although in Reserve, Division Does 
Active Work 

While in Corps reserve during the following four 
days (September 30-~Oct. 3) the division, instead of 
remaining inactive, sends its battalions, not only to 
support front-line battle units, but in several instances 
to participate in attacks. 

Division Returns to Front Line 

In the meantime, as the First Phase of the offensive 
ends, it is decided to increase the strength of our 
forces facing the Kriemhilde Stellung in deadlock 
In a realignment of the battlelines for the commen- 
cement of the Second Phase of the offensive, a sector 
upon a narrow front between the 3rd and 4th Divisions 
is assigned to the 80th Division, with the special mission 
of making an attack against the formidable strong-point 
of the BOIS des OGONS. a mile north of NANTIL- 
LOIS which, having resisted repeated previous attacks, 
has proved a barrier against progress. 

Going Into Position 

With its artillery brigade greatly augmented in gun 
power by the addition of two captured German bat- 
teries, manned by the West Virginians, and its machine 
gun strength increased by many captured enemy 
weapons now in the hands of the Pennsylvania and 
Virginia machine gunners, the division goes into posi- 
tion again on the night of October 3rd on the CIERGES 
-NANTILLOIS-BRIEULLES road north of NAN- 
TILLOIS. 



80th division 381 



Virginians Launch Attack 

With the Virginians of the 317th and 318th Infantry 
now in the battlelines, the attack is launched at daybreak 
(October 4th) with a swift drive by the leading battalions 
over fire-swept ground which had witnessed innumer- 
able other attacks against the enemy's powerful posi- 
tions. In the counter barrage which the enemy 
immediately brings down upon the divisional front, 
some of the support companies are caught at their 
assembly positions, but, undismayed by severe losses, 
they go forward nevertheless, following quickly in 
wake of the attacking lines. Meanwhile, the leading 
battalions encounter deadly opposition, but, though 
they are swept by decimating machine-gun fire from 
both flanks and assailed by a storm of high-explosive 
and gas shells, they press resolutely on, driving their 
battlelines across two ravmes and an intervening ridge, 
seizing the southern edges of the BOIS des OGONS 
in record time. 

Holding Our Ground In Face of Bitter Opposition 

With both flanks exposed as a result of the resistance 
which has held back the divisions on the east and west, 
the Virginians, though assailed by hostile aeroplanes 
machine-gunning them from the air, swept by blasts 
of machme-gun fire upon the right and left, and sub- 
jected to a constant artillery bombardment, hold their 
ground with a tenacity of purpose which refuses to 
yield before the efforts of the enemy to disloge them. 
Positions being consolidated and strengthened during 
the night, the exposed line upon the southern edges 
of the woodland stronghold is held by our men under 
constant enemy fire throughout the next day, as the 
flanking divisions battle forward upon the east and 
west. 



i82 MEUSE-ARGON^fE OFtENSiVE 



Sweeping Through German Lines 

Determined to wrest the stronghold from the enemy, 
the Virginians, towards evening, launch an attack 
which, surprising the Germans, sweeps the battlelines 
through the woods to the northern edges before dark 
(October 5th). 

Pennsylvanians Launch General Attack 

With the enemy holding a strong defensive system 
of concrete pill-boxe? and powerful trenches to the 
north, the division remains in position for the next 
three days preparing for a general attack which, pre- 
ceded by a destructive artillery preparation, is launched 
in the afternoon of October 9th by the Pennsylvanians 
of the 318th and 319th Infantry. Immediate success 
IS achieved in the attack which, driving over the enemy's 
defenses to the fortified farm of LA VILLE-aux- 
BOIS, carries the battlelines of the division to the 
CUNEL—BRIEULLES road before dark. 

Brilliant Sortie 

In a brilliant sortie during the night two companies 
of the 319th Infantry, pushing stealthily through the 
woods south of CUNEL, surprise the garrison of the 
town, capturing two battalion staffs, consisting of 
27 German officers and 60 men. 

Struggling Fiercely, We Advance Against 
Deadly Opposition 

While preparing to move forward the following 
morning, with the front line troops forming for attack, 
the enemy brings down a terrific artillery concen- 
tration, practically annihilating two companies of 
infantry and decimating two others on the left flank, 
but, reorganizing their battlelines, the Pennsylvanians 
push forward nevertheless against deadly opposition, 
engaging in a violent struggle in which by heroic 



80th division 3^^ 



etforts the front lines are gradually advanced yard by 
yard throughout the day until darkness brings the 
conflict to a close (October 10th). 

Division Relieved 

Relieved after eight days of savage combat against 
five different enemy divisions, the **Blue Ridge" troops 
withdraw from the battlefield during the next night 
(October 1 1 th), moving back into the Army reserve 
several days later for a period of rest and recuperation 
before returning to the front again. 
Achievement 

In its second battle participation the division, in 
addition to the tactical results achieved against the 
enemy, has taken 1 32 prisoners and captured 1 7 pieces 
of artillery, six mortars and 22 machine guns. 

Division on Battleline Again (Third Time) 

Returning to battle again to participate m the Third 
and final Phase of the great offensive, the division goes 
into position in front of the Kriemhilde Stellung be- 
tween ST. GEORGES and ST. JUVIN on thenight of 
October 30th, with the Pennsylvanians of the 319th In- 
fantry on the right and the 320th Infantry on the left. 

Our Attacking Lines Sweep Forward 

In the attack launched at daybreak, November 1 st, 
the enemy's hitherto impregnable front is pierced and 
the attacking lines sweep rapidly forward until the 
left flank is checked by desperate resistance from the 
powerfully organized woodland stronghold immediately 
south of the hamlet of ALLIEPONT. With the 
320th Infantry holding its positions here, the 319th 
Infantry continues northward, making a rapid advance 
which carries the right flank of the division through 
IMECOURT and SIVRY-les-BUZANCY to the 
BUZANCY-BAYONVILLE road before nightfall. 



384 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Striking Enemy in Flank 

From this position, far in advance of the left flank, 
the Pennsylvanians make a flank attack at daylight the 
next morning against the strong position to the west 
which has held up progress upon the whole Corps 
front. Immediate success is achieved, and the forward 
movement is resumed, with the Pennsylvanians of the 
320th Infantry advancing swiftly from ALLIEPONT, 
capturing VERPEL andTHENORGUES, and carry- 
ing the left flank forward to a straight front across the 
divisional sector. 

Our Center Attacks 

In the meantime, the 317th Infantry, introduced 
into the battlelines in the center during the night, 
going forward to attack in the morning, swiftly captures 
the fortified town of BUZANCY. With these suc- 
cessful operations, which have broken the enemy's 
resistance, achieved during the day, the "Blue Ridge" 
Division is in position at nightfall (November 2nd) 
upon a front of three miles, with the center immediately 
north of BUZANCY. 

Pursuing Retreating Enemy 

With unmistakable evidences of general retreat by 
the enemy, the division, led by the Virginians of the 
159th Brigade, presses forward at daylight in pursuit. 
Frequent and often desperate resistance is encountered, 
especially from delaying detachments of machine 
gunners, but by the night of November 4th the battle - 
lines have progressed beyond St. PIERREMONT and 

SOMMAUTHE. 

Pressing forward again before daylight on November 
5th, the 317th Infantry captures BEAUMONT, while 
the 318th Infantry, on the left, clearing the woods in 



80th division 385 



its front and advancing swiftly to the STONNE — ' 
BEAUMONT road, wrests the strong position of 
WERNIFORET from the enemy before 9 a.m. In 
the afternoon the 318th Infantry, sweeping forward 
again, captures the town of YONCQ and, driving on 
during the night, carries the heights of HILL 275, 
northwest of the town, before midnight. 

Division Relieved 

With its battlelines thus rapidly approaching the 
Meuse, the "Blue Ridge" Division is relieved in the 
pursuit by the 1 st Division on the morning of November 
6th, marching southward away from the battlefield as 
the Third and final Phase of the great offensive 
approaches its close. 

Achievement 

In their third period of operations, the "Blue Ridge** 
troops have met and defeated elements of seven different 
German divisions, taking 821 prisoners, and capturing 
55 pieces of artillery, 22 mortars, 507 machine guns, 
8 anti-tank guns, 1,160 rifles and huge quantities of 
ammunition and military materiel. 

Casualties 

In its total front line combat service, the division 
has suffered a loss of 37 officers and 592 men killed, 
1 6 1 officers and 4,304 men wounded, and 1 2 officers and 
551 men temporarily missing. 

Unique Distinction 

With the distinction of being the only battle unit to 
participate successively in the First, Second and Third 
Phases of America's greatest battle, the men of the 
"Blue Ridge" division have proved themselves worthy 
descendants of their heroic forefathers. 

25 



386 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

81st DIVISION 

("Wildcat" Division) 

(National Army troops of North Carolina, South 

Carolina, Florida, and Porto Rico. Major General 

Charles J. Bailey, of New York, commanding. For 

regiments and other units composing, see page 579.) 

Divisional Front 

Fated by the fortunes of war to experience its baptism 
of fire in the last few days of the great offensive, the 
81st Division, summoned to the battlefront after a 
brief period of training in trench warfare in a quiet 
sector (St. DIE— I^ON— rETAPE) of the Vosges 
Mountains, finds itself in position, on the night^of 
November 8th, upon a front of eight miles extending 
southeastward from EIX, on the VERDUN— ETAIN 
road, to FRESNES-en-WOEVRE, for participation in 
the closing phase of the operations east of the MEUSE. 

'* Wildcats*' Pounce Upon Enemy 

Immediately after daybreak (November 9th), follow- 
ing a heavy artillery preparation, the "Wildcat" troops, 
in conjunction with the Illinois Division on the right, 
launch a series of operations on both flanks, with the 
railroad between ETAIN and VERDUN as their 
objective. With the 321st and the 323rd Infantry 
standing fast in position upon the battlefront at the 
center, the 324th Infantry drives forward toward the two 
woodland strongholds of the BOIS LES CLAIRS 
CHENES and the BOIS NOIRE HAIE on the right, 
as the 322nd Infantry advances toward the fortified 
village of MORANVILLE on the left. In position 
upon two strongly intrenched lines, the enemy offers 
immediate and desperate resistance, but the South- 
erners, inexperienced though they be in major opera- 
tions, persist in the attack and, with the spirit of 



SIst^'division 387 



veterans, assail the German defenses, capturing MO- 
RANVILLE on the left and both woodland strong- 
holds on the right. 

Success Continues 

Resuming operations in the mornmg (November 1 0th) 
in close liaison with the 10th French Colonial Division 
on the west, the men of the 322nd Infantry, carrying the 
left^ flank forward, capture GRIMAUCOURT at 
9 o'clock and, following up this success with a swift 
drive northward, occupy ABAUCOURT, three miles 
east of EIX on the VERDUN— ETAIN road, a^few 
hours later. 

Pressing On Against Strong Resistance 

Increasing artillery and machine-gun fire during the 
afternoon discloses the enemy holding a powerful line 
of resistance less than a mile eastward from GRIMAU- 
COURT. While checked now and then, the regi- 
ment, suffering serious losses, presses on until darkness 
halts the advance within striking distance of the enemy's 
positions. Meanwhile, the 324th Infantry, operating 
on the right flank, though encountering terrific machine 
gun and artillery resistance continuously throughout 
the day, has made considerable progress toward 
MANHEULLES, before halting its battlelines at 
nightfall. 

Battlefront Reorganized 

In a reorganization of the battlefront during the 
night, the 322nd Infantry is relieved by the 321st In- 
fantry and the 324th Infantry is replaced by the 323rd 
Infantry, bringing fresh troops into the attacking lines 
for a renewal of the advance in the morning. 

Attack Develops Formidable Resistance 

Launched immediately after daybreak (November 
1 1 th), the attack develops swift and formidable resist-* 



388 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

ance from an enemy determmed to hold out until the 
last, particularly desperate opposition being offered 
by the Germans holding HAUTECOURT, a veritable 
little fortress encircled by strong trenches and wire 
entanglements, supporting the German defensive 
system of the left flank, immediately east of ABAU- 
COURT. In a brilliant flanking maneuver, the 321st 
Infantry captures the outlying defenses in the two 
woodlands of the BOIS GRAND COGNON and the 
BOIS PETIT COGNON, and moving through the 
gap between them later, the 1st Battalion of the 321st 
Infantry is in the midst of a spirited attack against 
HAUTECOURT when hostilities cease at 1 1 o'clock. 

Battlelines Carried Forward on Right 

In the meantime, the 323rd and 324th Infantry, 
advancing on the right, in the midst of a perfect storm 
of gas and high-explosive shells and machine gun 
bullets, have carried their battlelines forward in spite 
of severe losses, driving the enemy before them through 
the BOIS de MANHEULLES as the hour of the 
armistice^strikes. 

Achievement] il 

Displaying skill, courage and tenacity of purpose, 
proving itself possessed of mettle comparable to that 
of many experienced battle units, the division, with no 
previous participation in a major offensive, has never^ 
theless, within two and one-half days, driven the enemy 
from formidable positions wherever encountered,, 
effecting the release from German hands of five towns 
-MANHEULLES, BLANZEE, MORANVILLE, 
GRIMAUCOURT, and ABAUCOURT, taking nearly 
100 prisoners and capturing many machine guns andi 
other military materiel. 



82nd division 389 



Casualties 

In its brief battle experience the Division has suflFered 
losses of 13 officers and 177 men killed, 33 officers and 
758 men wounded, and I officer and 45 men tempo- 
rarily missing. 

82nd DIVISION 
(" All-American** Division) 

(National Army troops of Georgia, Alabama, and 
Tennessee. Major General William P. Burnham, 
Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding until 
October 9th ; then Major General George B. Duncan, 
Regular Army, of Kentucky. For regiments and 
other units composing division, see page 579.) 

_ __^®^^^§^ Forward in Wake of Attack 

Fearful lest they be deprived of an opportunity to 
participate in the great battle, striving to curb the 
natural impatience of soldiers anxious, despite their 
inexperience, to prove their mettle against the enemy, 
the Southerners of the 82nd Division, performing the 
function of 1st Corps reserve, move forward over the 
shell-shattered terrain of the Aire valley in the wake 
of the attack as the initial phase of the offensive is 
launched on September 26th (1918). 

Opportunity Conies 

Pressing on behind the battlelines into that savagely- 
contested section of the front bordering on the eastern 
edges of the Argonne, the anxiously-awaited oppor- 
tunity comes when the division is called upon to 
participate with the Pennsylvanians of the "Keystone** 
Division in the operations against the flanking butt- 
resses of Le CHENE TONDU and CHATEL- 
CHEHERY. (See pages 304-309.) 

^Rushed Forward As Support 

With the enemy resisting desperately, contesting 



390 MIUSK-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



every foot of ground in an effort to safeguard these 
important positions, the M7lh Infantn' of the "All- 
Aniericans" is rushed lorvvard on the night ot Sep- 
len^her 28th to support the Pennsylvanians and aid 
them in organizing their gains of the day upon a strong 
hue of resistance between APHl.MONT and the 
western slopes of Le CllENE TONDU. For tlie 
remaining days of the hirst Phase this Hue, assfiiled by 
vicious coimter-attae|<;s, is held iigainst the enemy 
under a constant and terrific ^we of machine guns and 
artillery froin the N\ooded slopes on the west. 
Going Into Battleline 

When the Second Phase of the offensive is inaugu- 
rated (\-tober 4th by a renewal of hostilities upon 
the whole army front, the Soufherners are still m 
resers'e supporting the Pennsylvanians. but in prepara- 
tion for a final general attack by the 1st Corps against 
the enemv's formidable positions guarding the flanks 
of the Argonne east of the Aire, the 8Jnd Division 
is sent into the battlelines on the night of October 6, 
going into position east of the river between FL.E- 
VlLl.K on the north and L\l ORGE on the south. 

Mission 

With the mission of conquering the strongpoints 
of HILL 2^3 and COTE 180. lying immediately in 
its front across the Aire northwest and north of CHA- 
'rKb-CHKMERY and capturing the heights of the 
great plateau, beyond the inten'enmg valley extending 
from CORNAY southward into the Argonne. the 
division moves fonsard at 5 oVlcx'k in the morning 
(October 7th). with the .>J7th Infantry on the right and 
the >J8th bifantr\' on the left, to accomplish its difticult 
task. ^ 

Launcliing Assault 

Progress over the shell -shattered ten'ain is necessar 



82nd division 391 



ily slow in the intense darkness prccedinc; dawn, but 
the hattlellnes are cfradually carried westward down 
to the bwks of the Aire, and, in a crossing effected at 
dayh'ght, the 327th Infantry, on the right, gains the 
western side of the river, launching a swift assault 
against COTE 180 which, coming suddenly upon the 
enemy in the darkness, results in the speedy capture 
of the position. 

Advance Continues 

Leaving surprised and bewildered Germans as 
prisoners behind them, the regiment sweeps down 
the western slope into the RUIS de BOUTASSON 
below, and is soon scaling the hillsides of the plateau 
in front of CORNAY. 

Progress Halted 

With the approach of daylight the intrepid South- 
erners, discovered by the enemy, are subjected to an 
annihilating concentration of machine-gun and artillery 
fire sweeping through the little valley from command- 
ing positions to the east, north and south and, though 
they strive desperately to win their way upward on 
the ascending slopes, their losses soon become so 
great that they are compelled to dig themselves into 
positions upon the hillsides to which they remain 
pinned down by a storm of shells and bullets for the 
»9st of the day. 

Advanciing on Left 

In the meantime, the 328th Infantry, on the left, 
delayed by darkness In the initial stages of the attack, 
but making up for lost time by swift progress later 
in the morning, is assailing HILL 223 to the south. 
In a desperate struggle for this position, persisten' 
and heroic efforts finally win when, shortly after noont 
the Kill is stormed and carried by the Southerners, 



392 MEUSE-ARGONNE O FFENSIVE 

as the Pennsylvanlans on the left capture the fortified 
village of CHATEL-CHEHERY. 

Southerners Repulse Counter-Attack 

While the position is being consolidated and streng- 
thened for defense in the afternoon the enemy, seeking 
to regain lost laurels, launches a savage counter-attack 
against the hill, but the Southerners,^ repulsing the 
Germans, remain masters of the field. 

Enemy Continues Attempt to Dislodge Us 

In spite of this signal defeat, the enemy continues 
efforts to dislodge the regiment during the night by 
infiltrating strong detachments, armed with machine 
guns, into the valley between HILL 223 and COTE 
1 80, but these forces are swiftly overcome and captured 
at daylight by the Second Battalion. 

Operations Resumed ; Deadly Opposition 
Everywhere 

With the temporary tactical advantage derived from 
the possession of the two hills and a foothold on the 
slopes of CORNAY, the division resumes operations 
in the morning (October 8th), with an attack which 
carries the battlelines swiftly westward across the valley 
from HILL 223, up the slopes and over the rim into 
the woods on the crest of the plateau to the left before 
noon, as the heights of CORNAY are scaled and 
stormed by the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 327th 
Infantry, supported by the 3rd Battalion of the 328th 
Infantry, to the right. Desperate resistance develops 
shortly afterwards, especially at the center where two 
companies of the 327th Infantry, rushing across the 
open valley from HILL 223 to fill a gap between the 
two flanks, are almost annihilated in an attack against 
enemy positions west of CORNAY. Though oppo- 
jsition is violent and deadly everywhere the Southern-' 



82nd division 393 



ers heroically continue their efforts until the right 
flank of the attack sweeps into CORNAY on the north 
and the left penetrates into the forest to the enemy's 
light railway beyond the crest of the plateau on the 
south. 

We Are Compelled to Withdraw 

With these notable gains achieved during the day, 
darkness finds the battlelines of the division, in advance 
of neighboring units on both flanks, thrust forward 
into a dangerously exposed salient sweeping north- 
westwardly in a semi-circle around CORNAY, from 
the eastern escarpements of the Argonne in the BOIS 
de CORNAY on the south, to the heights of the Aire 
west of FLEVILLE on the north. Furiously assailed 
by direct fire from the front, enfiladed and swept by 
machine guns and artillery on both exposed flanks, 
the salient of CORNAY becomes untenable, necessitat- 
ing a withdrawal south-eastward to the crests of the 
plateau upon a straight front during the night. 
Prelude to Enemy's Retirement 

Formidable as the enemy's opposition is, it is simply 
the prelude to a withdrawal from the flanking buttresses 
of the Argonne, a subterfuge that recognizes defeat 
as inevitable, — flanked as he is from the east by the 
Pennsylvanians in their successful operations against 
Le CHENE TONDU, COTE de PERRIERE, and 
CHATEL-CHEHERY, threatened from the north by 
the Southerners holding the crests of the plateau south- 
ward from CORNAY, and with the railway supplying 
his forces in the forest to the south lying paralyzed 
with in our grip. 

Confirmation of Retreat 

Daylight brings swift confirmation of the enemy s 
retreat northward as the Southerners, having relieved 
the Pennsylvanians during the night (October 8th-9th)5 



394 MEUSE-ARGONNE OEFENSIVE 

realign their battlefront the following day, when, 
pivoting on the hills immediately south of CORNAY. 
they execute a right turn against comparatively slight 
resistance, establishing their lines by nightfall upon a 
solid front of three miles facing north, with the right 
flank in touch with the 1st Division near FLEVILLE 
and the left in liaison with the 77th ("Liberty") Division 
among the wooded hills of the BOIS de CORNAY in 
the Argonne. 

Our Battlelines Carriecl Forward 
In a swift attack the following morning (October 1 0th) 
CORNAY is recaptured by the 325th Infantry, and, 
with this obstacle in its path removed, the division is 
soon launched upon an advance that carries its battle- 
lines northward, through the Argonne and the village 
of MARCQ on the left and beyond Fleville over the hills 
to the north and northeast on the right, before coming 
to a halt at nightfall on the bend of the Aire sweeping 
westward into the Aisne through the gap of Grandpre. 

Forcing Crossings of the Aire 

Facing due north, in a new zone of action centering 
about the formidable positions of the Kriemhilde 
Stellung in the vicinity of St. JUVIN. CHAMPI- 
GNEULLES, and St. GEORGES, with the 327th 
Infantry on the right and the 326th Infantry on the 
left, the division moves forward in the morning (Octo- 
ber llth) to force the crossings of the Aire. Imme- 
diate and deadly opposition results in a moving and 
sanguinary struggle which continues with little inter- 
ruption throughout the day. While the 326th Infantry 
is held to the river crossings opposite St. JUVIN and 
finally compelled, by'^a decimating fire of machine guns 
and artillery, to retire to a defensive line east of MARCQ, 
the 327th Infantry on the right, gaining the northern 
banks bv a swift initial assault, drives its battlelines 



82nd division 395 



forward over a mile towards the Kriemhilde Stellung 
between CHAMP! GNEULLES and St. GEORGES 
before overwhelming resistance forces a withdrawal to 
the hills west of St. JUVIN at nightfall. 

We Renew Attack 

Remaining in position for the next two days (Octo- 
ber 12- 1 3th) to strengthen and consolidate the gains 
made, the division renews the attack on the morning 
of October 14th, with the 328th Infantry on the right 
moving toward St. GEORGES, the 325th in the center 
against the Kriemhilde Stellung west of that village, 
and the 326th on the left advancing toward enemy 
defenses east of St. JUVIN. In the face of deadly 
fire from impregnable positions everywhere command- 
ing the field, the Southerners, in spite of severe losses, 
strive gallantly through a grueling day to advance 
their lines against as overwhelming opposition as 
troops ever encountered. 

Heroic Efforts Win Success 

Persistent and heroic efforts result in a capture of 
the ridge south of St. GEORGES by the 328th Infantry 

ton the right, a temporary thrust into the Kriemhilde 
Stellung by the 325th Infclntry in the center, and some 
^ progress toward the enemy's positions by the 326th 
Infantry on the left. 

Consolidating Gains, Operations Resumed 

In strengthening and consolidating its gains the next 
day (October 1 5th), the division takes over St. JUVIN 
and part of HILL 182, north of that village, from the 
77th ("Liberty") Division. Resuming operations at 
daylight October 16th, the division supports an attack 
by the^78th Division, completes the conquest of HILL 
182 and by other operations strengthens its lines. 



396 MEUSE>ARGONNE OFFENSIVE _^^ 

Division Relieved 

Repeated attacks within the next few days result in 
slight gains as hostilities approach a deadlock before 
the Kriemhilde Stellung, which continues until the 
close of the Second Phase of the Offensive when, 
battleworn and exhausted by their e^orts, the South- 
erners are relieved and withdrawn for a period of rest 
and recuperation in the reserve. 

Achievement 

With achievements remarkable for inexperienced 
troops in their first battle, the Southerners share with 
their comrades of New York City and Pennsylvania 
the credit for the conquest of the Argonne, besides 
taking 835 prisoners and capturing 1 1 pieces of artillery 
and 31] machine guns. 

Casualties 

In constant battle for 25 days against the enemy's 
strongest positions, the division has suffered a loss of 
36 officers and 824 men killed, and 151 officers and 
4,936 men wounded and temporarily missing. 

89th DIVISION 

("Middle Western** Division) 
(National Army troops of Kansas, Missouri, and 
Colorado. Arizona, South Dakota, New Mexico, and 
Nebraska.) Major General William M. Wright, Regular 
Army, of New Jersey, commanding. For regiments 
and other units composing division, see page 579.) 

Division's Battleline 

Rushed through the shattered defenses of the Kriem- 
hilde Stellung to relieve the Michigan and Wisconsin 
troops of the 32nd Division on the night of October 1 9th 
in that little theater of moving conflict and sanguinary 
strife between ROMAGNE and LANDRES-et-St.- 
GEORGES, the Middle Westerners of the 89th Divi- 



89th division 397 



sion find themselves at daylight, October 20th, holding 
battlelines thrust forward into an exposed salient several 
miles ahead of the general battlefront, the right at the 
eastern edges of the BOIS de BANTHEVILLE and 
the left well upon the northwestern edges of the woods, 
with both flanks echeloned sharply back to the south- 
east and southwest to maintain touch with the adjoining 
divisions. 

Going Into Action 

With the characteristic promptness and efficiency 
which have earned for it an enviable reputation as a 
first class and thoroughgoing battle unit, certain to 
execute successfully any mission, however difficult, 
entrusted to it, or upon its own initiative to act swiftly 
in any emergency arising in the midst of conflict, the 
division begins independent local operations imme- 
diately after daybreak to improve, strengthen and 
render the exposed salient of the BOIS de BANTHE- 
VILLE invulnerable to attack. Within two days the 
battlelines occupying the nose of the salient are advanc- 
ed beyond the northern edges of the woods and estab- 
lished in a strong position in the angle of the LAN- 
DRES-et-St. GEORGES-BANTHEVILLE road. 

"Mopping Up" Hun Pests 

^Meanwhile, sweeping the woods fore and aft, from 
flank to flank, behmd the front lines, skulking machine 
gunners and snipers, overlooked or left behind in the 
first swift advance of the offensive, are flushed from 
cover and captured or dispatched. Lively little fights 
and some vicious struggles occur, but the Middle 
Westerners, in their usual workmanlike fashion, crush 
out all resistance, "mop up" and clean out the Hun 
pests and soon convert the woodland stronghold into a 
domain of their own. 



398 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Lapsing Into Stationary Warfare 

With the First American Army, in the meantime, 
concentrating its efforts upon preparations for a final 
great onslaught against the enemy, the Second Phase 
of the oilensive gradually lapses into a brief period of 
stationary warfare in which battle activity, upon most 
of the front, is limited to repelling occasional counter- 
attacks, patrols and raids across "No Man's Land", 
artillery duels and aerial combats, — the grueling ordeal 
which tests the mettle and morale of soldiers compelled 
to hold their ground night and day beneath a constant 
deluge of flesh-rending steel fragments, mingled with 
deadly gasses, loosed among them by explodmg shells. 

Weathering Storm of Machine-Gun and 
Artillery Fire 

In the sahent of the BOIS de BANTHEVILLE 
thrust far into enemy territory, holding the most 
exposed positions upon the front, which tempt the 
Germans into constant efforts to blast them loose from 
their ground, the Middle Westerners weather the 
storm of artillery and machine-gun fire which for ten 
long days sweeps over them as they prepare to carry 
out the role assigned to them in the Third and Final 
Phase of the Offensive. 

Our Artillery Moves Into Supporting 
Positions 

Meanwhile, the artillerymen of the division drag' 
their heavy howitzers forward into supporting positions 
and their lighter guns into places of concealment in the 
woods to move northward behind the attacking lines. 

Dawn November 1st finds the Middle Westerners 
ready for their last great battle. 

"Over the Top** 

With perfect coordination of detail between artillery 



89th division 399 



and infantry the attack is launched at '*Zero Hour"j 
when the division, with its four regiments, — the 355th, 
356th, 353rd and 354th Infantry, in hne from right to 
left, — goes "Over the Top" at 5:30 o'clock in the 
morning. So effective is the preliminary bombardment 
and accompanying protective barrage that when the 
Middle Westerners sweep forward upon a two-mile 
front most of the German machine gunners are over** 
whelmed, killed or captured in their "fox holes" or 
"pill boxes" before they are able to organize them- 
selves for defense. 

Out Men Make Swift Progress 

With the enemy, whose Kriemhilde Stellung lies 
broken and shattered to the south, depending upon 
hastily improvised defenses or naturally strong positions 
to stem the advance of our troops, swift progress is 
made as our men sweep over the heights north of the 
BOIS de BANTHEVILLE, leaving machine-gun nests 
and artillery positions behind to be dealt with by the 
"mopping up" detachments following the attack. 

Checked by Enemyi We Advance Later 

When, however, the next line of ridges in the vicinity 
of REMONVILLE is reached our troops find them- 
selves confronted by the partially completed defenses 
of the Freya Stellung which prove strong enough at 
points to check them for a while. Fiercely contested 
actions are fought along the divisional front, but the 
Middle Westerners, though opposed by the elements 
of ten different German divisions before noon, triumph 
over the enemy, capture REMONVILLE, and sweep 
on north-eastward toward the Meuse. 

f German Artillery Retires 
Meanwhile, German artillery fire, heavy and des- 
tructive at the beginning of the attack, is rapidly 



400 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



diminishing, as the enemy, seeking to save his guns 
from capture, sends his batteries northward in flight 

We Advance Rapidly 

In the afternoon, a hea\'y fog shrouds the battlefield. 
While liaison between units carrying forward a widely- 
flung battleline proves difficult, rapid progress is 
nevertheless made, and by evening the front lines of 
the division are established beyond the northern edges 
of the BOIS de BARI^ICOURT, three miles north of 
the line of departure in the morning (November Ist). 

Powerful Resistance Delays Advance at First 

When resumed at dawn, progress is somewhat 
delayed in the initial stages of the advance by the 
powerful resistance of machine guns and artillery 
placed in position by the enemy during the night, but 
with regiments and battalions operating separately, 
driving ahead and overcoming opposition wherever 
encountered, the fighting front of the division is 
steadily carried north-eastward during the day, with 
the right flank in possession of TAILLY and the left 
approaching NOUART by evening (November 2nd). 

In the center, however, the battlelines, encountering 
desperate resistance from machine guns, are halted 
before the fortified town of BARRICOURT. 

Middle Westerners Decline Offer of Relief 

With its attacking units scattered over a wide sector, 
spent by the breathlessness of their swift advance, and 
with its artillery,— unable to keep up with the rapid 
pace of the infantry, — somewhat beyond sup- 
porting distance to the south, the division is oflered 
relief, but the Middle Westerners prefer to remain in 
the attack, giving prompt proof of their staying qualities 
by storming BARRICOURT in the morning and 
pushing on with an advance into the valley of the 




Brig.-Gen, H. H. Bandholtz 
(Regular Army, of Michigan) 
As Provost Marshal General was head of the Military Police, and 
charged with the maintenance of law and order in the American Expe- 
ditionary Forces and the custody of our Prisoners of War. 



89th division 401 



WISEPPE which results in the capture of BEAUCLAIR 
on the right and the BOIS des DAMES on the left before 
evening (November 3r(I). 

Sweeping Forward 

In a rapid advance the following day, BEAUFORT 
is carried and the battlelines of the division are swept 
through the FORET de DIEULET by nightfall. 
Within another twenty-four hours, with a swift thrust 
through the FORET de JAULNAY, positions are 
seized which establish the lines of the division upon 
the western heights of the Meuse from LANEUVILLE, 
opposite STENAY, on the right to a point opposite 
POUILLY on the left (November 5th). 

We Are Halted at The Meuse 

With all bridges destroyed and the enemy, in com- 
manding positions upon the hills across the river, 
sweeping the western heights with a storm of artillery 
and machine-gun fire, efforts to cross to the eastern 
side during the four succeeding days fail, but during 
the night of November 9th detachments succeed in 
gaining the eastern side and capturing some prisoners 
in a swift raid west of POUILLY. 

Crossing the River 

Meanwhile, though deluged by the enemy's fire, 
the divisional engineers succeed, by heroic efforts, 
in throwing several footbridges, as well as a catamaran 
ferry, across the river on November 1 0th. Protected 
by the darkness and covered by an artillery barrage the 
infantry crosses the river during the night, launching 
a swift attack upon POUILLY which surprises most 
of the garrison, — seeking refuge from the bombard- 
ment, — in the cellars of the town. 

Armistice Halts Advance 

With a bridgehead firmly established on the eastenr 
V 26 



402 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

side of the Meuse before dawn November 1 1 th, the 
division, with seven battalions in its battlelines, is 
forging rapidly on toward the northeast when the 
advance is halted by the armistice, which thus finds 
the Middle Westerners on the forefront of battle as the 
World War ends. 

Achievement 

In difficult operations extending over a period of 
twenty-one days of America's greatest battle, the 
Middle Westerners have proved themselves superior 
to the enemy's best troops, 2,774 of whom they have 
taken as prisoners, besides capturing no less than 
54 pieces of artillery and 360 machine guns. 

Casualties 

In total casualties during the Second and Third 
Phases of the offensive the division has sustained a 
loss of 29 officers and 771 men killed, 105 officers and 
2,944 men wounded, and 201 men temporarily missing. 

90th DIVISION 

(National Army troops of Texas and Oklahoma. 
Major General Henry T. Allen, Regular Army, of 
Kentucky, commanding. For regiments and other 
units composing division, see page 579.) 

Springing Into Action 

Relieving the Regulars of the 5th Division upon 
that woodland field of violent strife in the BOIS des 
RAPPES, northeast of ROMAGNE, on the morning 
of October 22nd, as the Second Phase of the offensive 
is drawmg to a close, the Texans and Oklahomans, — 
the former steeped in the traditions of the Alamo and 
the latter filled with the same spirit that won their own 
south-western plains from the Indians, — spring into 
instant action in the afternoon with an attack which 



i90TH DIVISION 403 



results not only in the capture of BANTHEVILLE by 
the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the 357th Infantry, but 
also in a swift advance to the rising ground half a mile 
northward v. ithin a few hours. 

Division Straightens Out Battle- Front 

With positions established and consolidated upon 
a line extendlnsr from the north-western comer of the 
BOIS des RAPPES across the ANDON river to the 
north-eastern corner of the BOIS de BANTHEVILLE 
before nightfall, the division has, by one brilliant stroke, 
straightened out the whole battle-front eastward and 
eliminated the dangerous re-entrant angle on the 
eastern flanks of the exposed salient held by the 89th 
Division to the west. 

Period of Stationary Warfare 

Signalizing their release from the tedium of corps 
reserve and their entry into battle participation in the 
great offensive by an operation as notable for swiftness 
in execution as for importance in, the results achieved, 
the Texans and Oklahomans are immediately afterwards 
compelled to endure a period of restricted action in 
stationary warfare, which brings into play neverthe- 
less all the fortitude of spirit inherited from plainsmen 
forebears as day after day, they remain holding their 
ground in the midst of a constant hurricane of shells 
and bullets, until at length the hour of the TTiird 
and Final Phase of America's greatest battle strikes on 
the morning of November 1st. 

Difficult Tactical Maneuver 

With the right flank holding fast as a pivot for a 
while as the left flank sweeps north-eastward on the 
arc of a circle in a turning movement toward the Meuse, 
the division is confronted hy a tactical maneuver always 
difficult enough in itself to execute over a rough terrain 



404 MEUSE-ARGO NNE OFFENSIVE 

on a wide front, but more difficult still when every foot 
of ground is contested by an enemy exerting all his 
power against it in a desperate effort to hold his impor- 
tant river line. 

Swinging Into Their Turning Movement 

With that singleness of purpose and determination 
to win which refuses to recognize obstacles and sees 
only the goal to be gained, the Texas and Oklahoma 
troops, with the 359th Infantry on the right and the 
360th Infantry on the left, swing into their turning 
maneuver at "Zero Hour*' with a precision of movement 
that sweeps the attacking left flank units on the outer 
edges of the semi-circle over the hills, ridges, and 
ravines for the capture of ANDEVANNE within a 
few hours. Meanwhile, the slowly moving right flank 
drives through ANCREVILLE to anchor itself as a 
pivot on the heights half a mile to the north. 

Movement Successful 

In spite of savage resistance by delaying detachments 
of machine gunners and terrific artillery opposition, 
the movement is successfully executed, bringing the 
battle-front of the division into position at nightfall 
on a line of two miles and a half extending north- 
westward from the heights of ANCREVILLE on the 
right to wooded ridges north of the BOIS d'ANDE- 
VANNE on the leff. 

Overcoming Organized Resistance 

Resumed immediately after daybreak, with the 357th 
and 358th Infantry in the attacking lines, the forward 
movement soon encounters organized resistance from 
the enemy making a stand behind the defenses of the 
Freya Stellung, centering about VILLERS-devant- 
DUN. In the ensuing struggle the battlelines of the 
division by an advance of the right fiank are contracted 



90th division 405 



upon a more narrow front which permits a series of 
powerful onslaughts against German positions, — ^appa- 
rently more formidable here than elsewhere, — desper- 
ately defended in an attempt to protect the retreat of 
the enemy's main forces to the north and northeast. 
It proves a vain effort, however, before the persistent 
attacks of the Texans and Oklahomans, who finally 
storm the defenses, capture VILLEf^-devant-DUN, 
and sweep their battlelines forward to rest upon the 
ridges beyond the town for the night (November 2nd). 
Resistance Lessened, Advance Is Rapid 

Meeting with less resistance the following day, the 
division makes a rapid advance, pushing through dense 
belts of forest, reaching the Meuse by nightfall, with 
the rigjht wing in position on the western heights of the 
river from MONT-devant-SASSEY for a distance of 
three miles northward to SAULMORY-et-VlLLE- 
FRANCHE, and the left wing striking westward at a 
sharp right angle for an equal distance to and along 
the northern edges of the BOIS de TAILLY (Novem- 
ber 3rd). 

Progress Continues 
f In a swift turning movement launched at daybreak, 
the left wing, pivoting on the center as a hmge at 
SAULMORY, makes a sweeping north-eastward 
advance over the hills east of HALLES, through the 
southern flanks of the FORET de DIEULET, to the 
bluffs of the WISEPPE valley overlooking the Meuse, 
thus bringing the battlelines of the division to a straight 
front upon the western heights for a distance of five 
miles from MONT-devant-SASSEY on the south to 
the LANEUVILLE-EPINONVILLE road on the 
north (November 4th). 

Patrolling Precedes Crossing of Meuse 

Swept by machine gun and artillery fire from the 



MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



eastern heights, the Texans and Oklahomans remain 
m position for four successive days, while patrols and 
advance detachments, winning their hazardous way 
over the plains of the valley below through storms of 
bullets and shells, reconnoitre the river banks for favor- 
able points of crossing, only to discover all bridges 
destroyed and approaches blown up. In spite of the 
thoroughness with which this destruction has been 
accomplished, the Meuse proves only a temporary 
barrier. For, meanwhile, the river line being forced 
to the south, the Regulars of the 5th Division, moving 
swiftly northward along the eastern banks, capture 
MOUZAY early in the morning of November 9th, 
establishing a bridgehead which enables the Texas 
and Oklahoma troops to cross in force shortly after- 
wards. 

Consolidating Line Before Launching 
Operations 

Immediately a deluge of fire from the heights to the 
east and northeast descends upon them, but they 
succeed nevertheless in consolidating a line before 
nightfall from which at daybreak (November 10th) 
operations are launched, resulting in the capture of 
STENAY by the 358th Infantry in a whirlwind attack 
against terrific opposition before 10 a.m. Swift pro- 
gress is made during the day in an advance upon a 
gradually widening front which carries the lines of the 
division over the wooded heights east of the Meuse to 
the northern edges of the FOKliT de WOEVRE on the 
right and the BOIS du CHESNOIS on the left before 
dark. 

Armistice Sounds Death- Knell of 
Frussianism 

With the capture of BAALON in the morning (Nov- 
ember I Ith), the Texans and Oklahomans are forging 



90th division 407 



rapidly north-eastward striking for the METZ-ME- 
ZIERES railroad at BROUENNES, less than three 
miles away, when the death-knell of German militarism 
is sounded by the armistice. 

Achievement 

Participating in two Phases of the great offensive, 
the Texans and Okiahomans have taken 975 prisoners 
and captured 33 pieces of artillery and 194 machine 
guns. 

Casualties 

In 19 days of battle the division has suffered a loss 
of 19 officers and 536 men killed, 93 officers and 
3,437 men wounded, and 1 40 men temporarily missing. 



("Wild West" Division) ' 

(National Army troops from Alaska, Washington, 
Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyo- 
ming, and Utah. Major General W'illiam H. Johnston, 
Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding. For regiments 
and other units composmg division, see page 579.) 

Awaiting ''Zero Hour" 

From the sun-kissed valleys of California to the 
snow-clad ridges of Alaska, from the Pacific Coast and 
Golden Gate across the Rockies and Sierra Madres to 
the western plains, from the orange groves and vineyards 
of the south to the frozen gold-fields of the north, from 
great cities, little towns and humble villages, from 
mines, ranches and forest lumber-camps, gathered 
together for their first great battle of the World War, 
the men of the 91st Division lie in position facing the 
defenses of the Hindenburg Line, enmeshed in the 
depths of the BOIS de CHEPPY,— with the right flank 
on the heisfhts a mile west of AVOCOURT and the 



MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 



left flank on MAMELON BLANC —awaiting "Zero 
Hour** to usher in the First Phase of the great offensive. 

Anxious to Meet Kaiser's Legions 

Impressed, but in no wise dismayed, by the task 
before them, — indeed, welcoming the impending con- 
flict with the Kaiser's legions, certain of their own 
superior strength, courage and morale, — the West- 
erners, imbued with that conquering spirit so charac- 
teristic of their own western country, watch the Titanic 
spectacle of the night bombardment until its flashing 
thunderbolts merge gradually into a protecting curtain 
of fire that descends before their lines at dawn. 

They Start 

It is only for a fleeting lapse of time that the barrage 
pauses there in "No Man's Land" before it wings its 
flight northward and goes crashing through the Hind- 
enburg Line, with the Westerners storming the German 
defenses behind it in an attack whose swiftness and 
momentum carry them over and through the first lines 
of trenches and wire entanglements into the shell- 
shattered timber of the BOiS de CHEPPY for an 
advance which, though checked now and then by 
hidden machine gun nests, retarded by mazes of 
obstacles, and delayed in its progress through a sea of 
mist, finds the attacking forces assailing the Hagen 
Stellung within a few hours. 

Westerners Sweep Through Everything 

Forewarned and therefore prepared to meet the 
attack, the enemy holds out for a while behind a perfect 
line of machine guns upon the wooded ridges of the 
RAVIN de la FUON in the BOIS de VERY, but the 
Westerners, with a drive into the RAVIN de CfiAM- 
BRONNE on the west, outflank the Germans, capture 
theirj^defenses and sweep through the woods before 



91 ST DIVISION 409 



noon into another advance which carries the battlelines 
of the division swiftly northward over the hills for a 
thrust by patrols into the Volker SteJlung at EPINON- 
VILLE by 5 o'clock in the evening. 

Remarkable Day's Work 

In less than twelve hours the division has smashed 
through two strong defensive lines and pierced the 
third, penetrating into the enemy's territory to a depth 
of almost six miles, — ^a remarkable achievement for 
troops, tried or untried, in their first day's battle. 

Pressing Forward Against Deadly Opposition 

While the conquest of the Volker Stellung is complet- 
ed by swift simultaneous attacks upon the whole divi- 
sional front in the morning (September 27th), deadly 
opposition develops immediately afterwards. Storms 
of artillery, accurately directed by balloons and aero- 
planes, assail the Westerners at every point of advance, 
in spite of severe losses, however, operations are 
pressed forward upon a wide front, resulting in notable 
gains everywhere before nightfall, with the 361st In- 
fantry in possession of EPINONVILLE on the right, 
the 364th Infantry in line before the enemy's defenses 
in front of ECLISFONTAINE in the center, and the 
363rd Infantry, having made a sortie over the ridge 
north of VERY and a thrust through belts of wire in 
the ravine beyond, holding positions across the CHAR- 
PENTRY-ECLISFONTAINE road on the left. 

Struggling Desperately, Division Crushes 
All Resistance 

With no diminution of spirit or loss of impetus the 
Westerners resume the forward movement at daybreak 
(September 28th), with powerful attacks upon both 
flanks. Pushing through EPINONVILLE, overrun- 
ning a cluster of machine gun nests in an orchard beyond 



410 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

the town, the 361st Infantry makes a drive into the 
BOIS des EPINETTES to the north, where, supported 
by its own machine guns and one-pounders, the regi- 
ment enters into a sanguinary and desperate struggle 
with the enemy which continues well on into the after- 
noon, when all resistance is crushed and the battlelines 
are carried over the hills, being established m the BOIS 
de COMMUNAL de CIERGES to the northeast 
before dark. 

Left Flank In Brilliant Operations 

Meanwhile, operating on the left flank, the 182nd 
Brigade (363rd and 364th Infantry) in a series of 
brilliant operations first captures the BOIS de BOU- 
LEAUX and SERIEUX FARM, west of ECLISFON- 
TAINE ; then, turning northeast, takes EXMORIEUX 
FARM, and finally, driving northwest, seizes the BOIS 
de COMMUNAL de BAULNY and TRONSOL 
FARM, ending up at nightfall with its battlelines in a 
sh'arp local salient on the slopes descending into 
GESNES BROOK. 

Holding Widely-Flung Battlefront: 
With these progressive successes achieved during 
the day, the division finds its fighting units by evening 
Holding a widely-flung battlefront of five miles, with a 
spearhead thrust toward GESNES on the left to estab- 
lish contact with the 35th Division battling against 
EXERMONT to the west and the right flank "in the 
air*' in the Bois de Cierges on the east. 

Preparing for Further Advance 

In preparation for a further advance in the morning 
(September 29th) the 362nd Infantry is brought 
forward during the night, passing through the battle- 
lines of the 361st Infantry in the BOIS de CIERGES, 
for an attack at daylight against GESNES. 



91 ST DIVISION 411 



Launching Attack 

Launched in the midst of a terrific enemy counter- 
barrage and assailed from the front and right flank by 
decimatmg machine-gun fire, the Westerners sufl[er 
severe casualties at the very outset of the attack, but 
the regiment, reinforced by a battalion of the 361st in- 
fantry and supported by the 347th Machine Gun 
Battalion, presses heroically on, led by a gallant Colonel, 
capturing GESNES and seizing the ridge beyond before 
halting to "dig in" on the exposed slopes to the north. 

Machine Gunners Do Good Work 

In the meantime, the 348th Machine Gun Battalion, 
with well directed fire from positions on HILL 204, at 
TRONSOL FARM, on the left breaks up a powerful 
concentration of enemy troops gathering for a counter- 
attack against the 35th Division in the vicinity of 
Exermont, while other units of the 182nd Brigade, 
driving forward across the EXERMONT— GLSNES 
road, establish themselves in the BOIS de la MORINE 
before evening. 

We Establish Strong Line of Resistance 

With its fighting units clinging to advanced positions 
everywhere upon a wide front against an enemy, being 
constantly reinforced, determined not only to check 
the advance but to exert all his power to force our 
troops back, the division, — in a precarious situation, 
threatened upon both flanks, assailed from the front, 
and confronted by the ever present probability of 
sudden counter-attacks, — establishes a strong line of 
resistance to the south, extending from the middle of 
the BOIS de CIERGES southwest through the BOIS 
de BOULEAUX, leaving strong patrols to hold the 
country to the north (September 29th).3 



412 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

Division Relieved 

Battle-worn and tired, wet, cold and hungry, bur- 
rowed into *'fox holes" in front, strengthening and 
consolidating the line of resistance in rear, the West- 
erners remain in position during the four succeeding 
days under an incessant deluge of artillery and machine- 
gun fire until, with the First Phase drawing to a close, 
the division is withdrawn to the reserve on the night 
of October 3rd as the Second Phase of the great offensive 
is about to begin. 

Westerners Called Back to Battle 

While in reserve during the initial stages of the 
Second Phase the Westerners are called back to battle 
again when the 1 81 st Brigade (361 st and 362nd Infantry) 
is detached from the division and rushed to the front 
to participate with the Regulars of the 1st Division in 
an assault October 9th upon Le PETIT BOIS and 
HILL 263, east of SOMMERANCE, in conjunction 
with an attack upon the BOIS de ROMAGNE by the 
Michigan and Wisconsin troops of the 32nd Division. 
Remaining in the conflict until the enemy's resistance 
is broken and the positions taken, the brigade is with- 
drawn from the battlefield on October 1 1th, when the 
division is finally relieved and sent to the rear for a 
period of rest. 

Achievement 

In a total of twelve days' battle, the 91st division has 
achieved remarkable results, taking 2,371 prisoners and 
capturing 31 pieces of artillery and 440 machine guns. 

Casualties 

In both phases of the offensive the division has 
suffered a loss of 36 officers and 850 men killed, 
1 58 officers and 3,646 men wounded and 1 officer and 
204 men temporarily missing. 



9 1st division 413 



Division Rewarded 

In their first great battle the Westerners have dis- 
played courage, skill and resourcefulness in the pre- 
sence of the enemy which bring their reward when the 
division is selected as one of the two American battle 
units to participate with the French in operations in 
Belgium. 

Every State in Union Represented in 
Meuse-Argonne Offensive 

In the beginning of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 
when the First Phase was launched on September 26, 
1918, there were 9 divisions (4th, 28th, 33rd, 35th, 
37th, 77th, 79th, 80th, and 91st) in the battlelines of 
the First American Army, representing the Territory 
of Alaska, the District of Columbia, and 1 6 States, — 
California, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, 
Montana, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Penn- 
sylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Vir- 
ginia. However, before the armistice brought the 
offensive to a close, Americans from every State in the 
Union, as well as of the territories of Hawaii and Porto 
Rico, participated in the great battle. 

General Pershing's Victory Message 

Concluding the narrative of the achievements of our 
divisions in America's Greatest Battle, it seems fitting 
to quote General Pershing's VICTORY MESSAGE 
to our troops : 

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS 
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES 
General Orders 

No. 203. France, Nov. 12, 1918, 

The enemy has capitulated. It is 
fitting that I address myself in thanks 
directly to' the officers and soldiers of the 



414 MEUSE-ARGONNE OFFENSIVE 

American Expeditionary Forces who by 
their heroic efforts have made possible 
this glorious result. Our armies, hurried- 
ly raised and hastily trained, met a veter- 
an enemy, and by courage, discipline 
and skill always defeated him. Without 
complaint you have endured incessant 
toil, privation and, danger. You have 
seen many of your comrades make the su- 
preme sacrifice that freedom may live. 
I thank you for'^the patience and courage 
with which you have endured. I con- 
gratulate you upon the splendid fruits 
of victory which your heroism and the 
blood of our gallant dead are now present- 
ing to our nation. Your deeds will live 
forever on the most glorious pages of 
America's history. 

By Command of General Pershing: 
Official : 

ROBERT C. DAVIS JAMES W. McANDREW 

AdjutantiGeneral, Chief oflStaff. 



415 



WITH THE FRENCH WEST OF THE ARGONNE 

Interdependence of Operations 
East and West of Argonne 

While the Fourth French Army was not included 
among the forces under General Pershing's immediate 
command, the operations of the French west of the 
Argonne Forest, carried on in simultaneous cooperation 
with the operations of the First American Army east 
of the Forest, formed, in effect, part of the Meuse- 
Argonne Offensive. For it was General Gouraud's 
mission to aid in outflanking the enemy in the Argonne 
by a drive with his right flank northward along the 
western edges of the Forest in conjunction with a 
similar thrust by General Liggett with the left flank 
of the First American Corps northward along the east- 
ern edges in the valley of the Aire. With the same 
object to be accomplished, therefore, that of "pinching 
out** the Argonne between them, each was dependent 
upon the other for success in the joint operation, — ^a 
success that was brilliantly achieved when the enemy, 
assailed upon both flanks, was forced to withdraw from 
the forest on October 9th. 

f Two American Divisions With French 

When the Fourth French Army, simultaneously with 
the launching of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Sept- 
ember 26th, commenced operations upon the Cham- 
pagne Front between the Argonne and Reims, General 
Gouraud had at his disposal two American battle units, 
the famous battle-experienced 2nd Division of "Dough- 
boys** and Marines, and the untried 36th Division of 
Texas and Oklahoma National Guard troops. 

Held in Readiness 

Launching operations with his "Poilus** in the attack- 



416 WITH FRENCH WEST OF ARGONNE 

ing lines, General Gouraud held the American divisions 
in reserve for immediate use in any emergencies that 
might arise, or to enable him to take instant advantage 
of fleeting opportunities of battle. 

American Divisions Soon Needed 

It is not long, however, before a compelling emer- 
gency arises. In the initial phases of the great offen- 
sive, between September 26th and October 1 st, notable 
success is achieved by the Fourth French Army, espe- 
cially in a swift thrust of the right flank northward 
along the western edges of the Argonne and in a smash- 
ing drive of the center through a maze of German 
defenses stretching across the Champagne Front, but 
on the left flank, in spite of six days of heroic effort, 
the enemy is still in possession of powerful lines and 
centers of resistance in the vicinity of Orfeuil, Medeah 
Farm, Blanc Mont, St. Etienne and St. Pierre-en- 
Armes, — positions which, securing the German right 
flank before Reims, continue as an ever menacing threat 
against the martyred Cathedral city, 

2nd DIVISION 

(Regular Army and Marine Corps troops. Major 
General John A. Lejeune, Marine Corps, of Louis- 
iana, commanding. For regiments and other units 
composing division, see page 579.) 

Going Into Battle Position 

In order to impart to his army the stimulus of the: 
presence of American troops in the fighting lines withi 
the "Poilus'*, as well as to make use of their originality,, 
initiative and driving power in the emergency now^ 
confronting him. General Gouraud sends the 2nd Divi- 
sion, supported by the 36th Division, into battle posi- 
tions just north of SOMME-PY to relieve the 61sti 



2nd division 417 



French Division in the Essen trench, recently taken 
from the enemy, on the night of October 1 st-2nd. 

Preparing To Attack 

With French troops still engaged on both flanks, 
the "Doughboys'* and Marines spend their first, day 
in the battlelines clearing skulking Germans out of the 
Essen trench system, preparing, meanwhile, for a swift 
encircling maneuver around the flanks of the formid- 
able stronghold of BLANC MONT and an attack 
against positions beyond in the morning (October 
3rd). 

Plan 

In the impending operation quickly prepared plans 
contemplate an attack by the 9th and 23rd Infantry on 
the right and a swift thrust by the 6th Marines on the 
left, with the 5th Marines, holding fast in the center 
at first, advancing as the attacking lines converge to a 
connected front beyond BLANC MONT, and mop- 
ping up the enemy's positions behind them. 

"Over the Top" 

Following a brief but intense artillery preparation 
of five minutes and preceded by a rolling barrage laid 
down by the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, the initial 
assault is launched shortly after daybreak, as the 
"Doughboys'* and Marines go "Over the top'* in the 
face of a terrific concentration of machine-gun and 
shell fire which inflicts immediate losses among them. 

Smashing Through Enemy's Defenses 

With the sangfroid and determined courage born of 
many a more bitter conflict, the veterans of Belleau 
Woods and Vaux drive forward and, supported by 
two battalions of French tanks, soon smash through 
the enemy's defenses guarding the flanks of BLANC 
MONT. Increasingly bitter and deadly opposition 

27 



418 WITH FRENCH WEST OF ARGONNE 

develops as the attack progresses, but with the "Dough- 
boys'* and Marines, losses, whether they be heavy or 
light, are one of the inevitable fortunes of war which 
must be accepted to achieve success against a determin- 
ed and resolute enemy. So, with this battle philosophy 
going hand in hand with them, they press on through 
a perfect hurricane of death-dealing missiles and explod- 
ing shells for the capture of their first objective line 
on the road running westward from ORFEUIL throusfh 
MEDEAH FARM toward St.HILAIRE-le-PETIT, 
which is accomplished by noon. 

Trouble on the Left 

While the 67th French Division on the right gains 
its^objective at MEDEAH FARM at the same time, 
the 21st French Division on the left, less fortunate,, 
has been unable, by virtue of savage resistance, to take 
the western hook of the Essen trench system. Ini 
consequence the Marines, having advanced beyond it, 
are assailed from this position by intense reverse ma-j 
chine-gun fire suddenly concentrated upon their left| 
flank and immediate rear. While not included in theiri] 
sector, this unexpected development in the fleeting 
moments of battle is, to them, simply an exigency that 
must be taken care of. With the initiative and prompt- 
ness characteristic of them, the 5th Marines, rushing 
back over the field, aid their French comrades to drive( 
the enemy from his flanking strongpoint. Later, 
however, as the Marines carry on, the Germans in a 
forceful counter-attack recapture the position, holding 
it until the French, by valiant efforts, finally wrest it 
from them and establish their lines to the northward 
late in the evening. 

Other Part of Line Pushes Forward 

In the interim, whik this vicious little conflict is ir 



2nd division 419 



progress on the left, our veteran troops have pushed 
forward over a mile toward the Orfeuil-St. Etienne 
road, driving their front into a sharp sahent which, 
extending from Medeah Farm on the right to the west- 
ward-trending hook of the Essen trench system on the 
left, is exposed to an annihilating fire on both flanks 
and assailed from the rear by the deadly blasts from 
machine gun nests concealed upon the western edges 
of the Blanc Mont woods which the advance had swept 
by and left behind during the afternoon. 

We Are In Serious Predicament 

It is a serious predicament, but one that must be 
endured. However difficult, the positions gained must 
be held, — although to do so means constantly increasing 
losses which have already reached a total of 15 %, — 
until the flanking French units, still forging ahead on 
the right and left, succeed in establishing their lines 
upon the same front. 

Splendid Achievement 

Meanwhile, within twelve hours after plunging into 
the attack, the "Doughboys** and Marines have accom- 
plished the splendid achievement of outflanking a 
stronghold, BLANC MONT, considered impregnable 
theretofore and capturing great numbers of machine 
guns and pieces of heavy and light artillery. 

Inferno of Sinister Conflict 

With the approach of darkness the night becomes an 
inferno of sinister conflict in which our troops are 
assailed from every direction by fire whose source it is 
impossible to discover through the black pall shrouding 
ithe battlefield. German gunners stealing forward from 
the front, rear and flanks infiltrate and worm themselves 
into our lines, and, protected by the darkness, inflict 
isevere losses by stealthy fire from hidden positions 



420 WITH FRENCH WEST OF ARGONNE 

until, stalked down, discovered andyispatched without 
mercy, a swift and retributive fate descends upon them. 

We Meet Terrific Opposition 

While the 2nd Division forgeS ahead for 500 yards 
against terrific opposition when operations are resumed 
shortly after noon the next day (October 4th), the 
advance elsewhere, especially upon the flanks, is check- 
ed and finally stopped by a plunging enfilade fire of 
machine guns from BLANC MONT which, though 
outflanked, is in the possession of enemy forces who, 
taking advantage of the darkness during the night, have 
either reoccupied the stronghold or remained quietly 
in hiding in its labyrinth of underground shafts, tunnels 
and dugouts. 

Victory Is Ours 

In a whirlwind attack launched at 6:15 o'clock the 
next morning, after an artillery concentration which 
destroys defenses as well as defenders, the 3rd Battal- 
ion, 6th Marines, in conjunction with a regiment of 
French troops supporting them on the left, storm and 
carry the stronghold absolutely without loss, capturing 
209 prisoners and 75 machine guns. 

Advance Resumed 

With BLANC MONT thus finally eliminated as a 
troublesome and dominating feature of the terrain, 
progress becomes possible everywhere and the advance 
is quickly resumed and continued until towards even- 
ing, when our troops encounter a strong system of: 
trenches and wire entanglements, defended by a line; 
of perfectly sighted and well placed machine guns, 
infrontofSt.ETIENNE. 

Our Men Launch Another Attack 

While the 23rd Infantry and 6th Marines, plunging 
into an attack upon the heeU of a destructive artillery 



2nd division 421 



preparation early the next morning (October 6th/ 
swiftly smash through and overrun the German defenses 
it is evident that the enemy depends upon the town 
itself, skillfully converted into a formidable center of 
resistance, to check the progress of our forces. Patrols 
penetrating into St. ETIENNE are assailed in the 
streets by blasts of withering fire from machine gun 
nests perched in stone houses, concealed behind garden 
walls, hidden among the despoiled tombstones of the 
cemetery, and sheltered amidst the desecrated ruins of 
the village church. 

Savage Hand-to-Hand Struggle 

Determined assaults repeatedly made result in a 
desperate struggle that rages throughout the afternoon, 
with the opposing lines, swept by barrage and counter- 
barrage and assailed by attack and counter-attack, 
surging to and fro into and out of the village and back 
again in savage hand-to-hand conflict that knows no 
mercy, that neither gives nor accepts quarter, — that is 
waged to the death of one or the other of the combat- 
ants. In this sanguinary strife both sides sustain heavy 
and weakening losses, but possessing the advantage 
always inherent in the defense, the enemy succeeds in 
holding out against our troops and as darkness ends the 
struggle for the day the southern environs of St. ETI- 
ENNE still lie within the mysterious realms of " No 
Man's Land/' 

Relief of Division Begins 

In the midst of a violent night conflict, with the 
opposing artillery exchanging blow for blow and ma- 
chine gun bullets whining through the darkness, the 
relief of the **Doughboys" and Marines is commenced, 
battleline units being withdrawn to support positions 
(evening of October 6th-7th). 



422 WITH FRENCH WEST OF ARGONNE 

Achievement 

In a smashing four-day offensive, which has been Hi 
determining factor in the relief of Reims and the shat- 
tering of the enemy's Champagne Front, the famous 
battle unit has achieved remarkable results, taking 
2,296 prisoners, including 62 officers, and capturing 
5 pieces of heavy artillery, 37 pieces of light artillery, 
27 trench mortars, 409 machine guns, 8 anti-tank guns, 
and innumerable rifles. 

Casualties 

Losses have been correspondingly great, indicating 
the savage character of the strife through which the 
division has passed ; 41 officers and 661 men killed, 
151 officers and 3,315 men wounded, 12 officers and 
212 men gassed and 5 officers and 578 men temporarily 
missing, or a total of 209 officers and 4,766 men in 
casualties. 

Remaining in support positions until the morning 
of October 1 0th, the division is finally withdrawn from 
the battlefield, retiring to the vicinity of SUIPPES for 
a brief rest preparatory to going into the Meuse-Argonne 
offensive on November 1st, as a battering ram against 
the Kriemhilde Stellung, a role carried out with the 
distinction and efficiency characteristic of the "Dough- 
boys" and Marines. (See pages 262-272.) 

36th DIVISION 

(National Guard troops of Texas and Oklahoma.. 
Major General William R. Smith, Regular Army, off 
Tennessee, commanding. For regiments and other 
units composing the division, see page 579.) 

Receiving Baptism of Fire 

Going into action for the first time, the 36th Divisioni 
receives its baptism of fire upon the bitterly contestedi 
field of the Champagne when the 71 st Brigade is rushed 



36th division 423 



into the battlelines in front of St. ETIENNE during 
the night conflict of October 6th''7th to relieve the 
23rcl Infantry (of the 2nd Division) with the 141st|In- 
fantry (Texas troops) on the right and the 5th Marines 
with the 142nd (Texas and Oklahoma troops) on the 
left. 

Plunging Into First Assault 

Remaining in position organizing a new front on 
October 7th, the Brigade^ supported by the machine 
guns and trench mortars of the 2nd Division and 
accompanied by two battalions of French tanks, plunges 
into its initial assault early in the morning of October 
8th and under the cover of an artillery preparation and 
rolling barrage, is soon assailing the enemy's defenses 
like veterans. 

Immediately afterwards, the Texans of the 141st 
Infantry, on the right, drive forward into St. ETIENNE 
and, — though struck by an intense fire of machine gun:, 
from the church and cemetery and assailed by leaden 
missiles poured into them from stone houses and garden 
walls as they sweep through the village streets, — swiftly 
descend upon the enemy, hurling the Germans from 
their positions, takmg the cemetery and 209 prisoners, 
going on beyond to the edges of a ravine nearly half a 
mile to the northwest before being stopped in their 
breathless advance by cinother trench system at 10:30 
a.m. _j^i 

Mopping Up and Consolidating 

With the Texans holding and consolidating their 
swiftly-won gains in front, the Marines, following 
behind in support, quickly mop up and organize St. 
ETIENNE for resistance against any efforts the Ger- 
mans may make to retake the village. 

Bitter and Sanguinary Conflict 

Meanwhile, ,the Texans and Oklahomans of the 



424 WITH FRENCH WEST OF ARGONNE 

1 42nd Infantry, engaged in their first conflict on the 
left, are locked in as bitter and sanguinary strife as 
troops, tried or untried, have ever experienced, in 
efforts to advance their battlclines against formidable 
positions northwest of St. Etienne. With the enemy 
contesting every foot of ground, sweeping the terrain 
with an annihilating fire, progress is made only by leaps 
and bounds and at a cost of heavy casualties, Increas- 
ing in intensity as the hours pass this fire finally assumes 
a deadliness almost beyond the power of human flesh 
to endure, but with Spartan courage, though unable 
to advance farther, the Southwesterners remain clinging 
desperately to the ground won throughout a grueling 
afternoon until, suddenly assailed on the right by an 
annihilating concentration of fire and struck at the 
same time on the left by a powerful and vicious counter- 
attack, they are compelled to withdraw and fall back 
upon the 2nd Division supports towards evening. 

Costly Baptism of Fire 

With losses of 1 25 killed and 566 wounded out of a 
total strength of 58 officers and 1,715 men within 
twelve hours, its baptism of fire has been a costly ini- 
tiation into battle for the 142nd Infantry. 

Division Master of Its Own Destiny 

Reorganization of positions and effecting the relief 
of remaining units of the 2nd Division by the intro- 
duction of the 72nd Brigade (Texas troops) into the 
batllelines occupy the next day and evening, so that 
the following morning (October 10th) finds the 36th 
Division master oi its own destiny upon the fields of 
Champagne. 

Moving Forward 

In spite of brisk machine-gun and artillery fire, indi- 
cations point to a withdrawal of the enemy toward i 



36th division 425 



strong defensive positions in the north. Late in the 
afternoon, in a general advance by the 1 1 th French 
Corps, the division moves forward. In the dusk of 
early evening, heavy machine gun resistance, inflicting 
some casualties, is encountered, but the division pushes 
on nevertheless, making rapid progress, so that when 
a halt is called at nightfall an advance of over four miles 
has been achieved, with the 143rd Infantry holding a 
line running east and west through MACHAULT and 
the 1 44th Infantry in position almost a mile beyond the 
town to the north. 

Enemy Falling Back Everywhere 

In the meantime, a belief in the probability, of a 
withdrawal by the enemy has become a sudden and 
startling fact. Westward the Germans are falling back 
from the front before Reims ; eastward they have been 
driven from the Argonne ; in the immediate front they 
are in retreat toward the line of the Aisne, behind which, 
in this sector, the formidable defenses of the Kriemhilde 
Stellung He. 

We Pursue 

In swift pursuit the following day (October 1 1 th) 
the Texans and Oklahomans press northward against 
light artillery resistance, driving through DRI COURT 
and MONT St. REMY, halting for the night on the 
slopes of HILL 167, northwest of Vaux-Champagne, 
overlooking the valley of the Aisne from Attigny to 
Givry. Patrols pushing on in advance the next day 
find the bridges across the canal and river destroyed 
and discover the enemy in force on the north bank. 
Efforts to cross are promptly stopped by heavy fire. 
Following behind, the 36th Division establishes by 
evening a strong line of resistance along the hills from 
SAULCES-CHAMPENOISE through VAUX- 
CHAMPAGNE to COULOMMES-et-MARQUENY. 



426 WITH FRENCH WEST OF ARGQNNE 

with the 1 43rci and 1 44th Infantry in the front line and 
the 141st and 142nd Infantry in close suppart. 

Given Important Mission 

Remaining in position until October 27th, the divi- 
sion is given the important mission of drivmg the enemy 
out of the sharp loop of the Aisne and the Ardennes 
Canal, several miles east of Attigny, in order to seize 
positions from which hostile operations against our 
forces from the north bank of the river are not only 
possible, but probable. Within half an hour after the 
attack is launched at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, FOR- 
EST FARM and the village of RILLY-aux-OIES ar- 
captured by the 141st and 142nd Infantry, thus achieve 
ing a swift success for the Texas and Oklahoma troops 
in their last operation of the war. 

Division Relieved 

Relieved during the night, the division retires to the 
Triaucourt area, in the zone of the First American 
Army, with pride and satisfaction in a notable record 
achieved through twenty days of ferocious conflict in 
its first and last battle. 

Casualties ; Prisoners and Material Captured 

With total casualties of 2,65 1 men killed and wound- 
ed, the division has taken 549 prisoners, including 
18 officers and captured 9 pieces of artillery and the 
remarkable number of 294 machine guns. 



427 

OPERATIONS WEST OF THE MOSELLE 

Introductory 

In retreat everywhere upon the Western Front before 
the victorious hosts of the Allies, it was the armistice 
that saved the Kaiser's legions from the annihilation 
swiftly overtakmg them when hostilities ceased at the 
eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month 
in 1918. For not only were the sledge-hammer blows 
then being struck to be continued, but other offensives 
were on the eve of being launched, — indeed, one of 
them, having progressed beyond the preliminary stages, 
was in process of development into an extensive attack 
by the Second American Army west of the Moselle 
when the hour of the armistice struck^ 

Foch*s Plans 

With the immediate object of outflanking and isolat- 
ing the great fortress of Metz and the ultimate aim, as 
the new offensive developed, of cutting off the retreat 
of the German armies to the Rhine, Marshal Foch's 
plans contemplated a northward drive on the west by 
the Second American Army in the direction of Briey 
and a forward movement on the east by the Tenth 
French Army toward the Saar river. Included as a 
correlative part of the new offensive, scheduled for 
commencement November 14th, the operations of the 
First American Army were being carried forward and 
extended east of the Meuse with a view to a drive 
through Etain northward toward the important railway 
center of Longwy. 

Decision to Strike at Once 

Meanwhile, however, German morale, already at a 
low ebb through constant defeats, receives a vital blow 
when suddenly bereft of a supporting prop by the 
enforced withdrawal of Austrian divisions from the 



428 O PERATIONS , WEST OF MOSELLE 

battlelines as a result of the signing of an armistice with 
Austria. Marshal Foch, recognizing in the situation 
the importance of instant action, seizes the opportunity 
to deliver a swift stroke by ordering that the new offen- 
sive be launched on November 1 0th, immediate in- 
structions therefor being issued. 

Order of Battle 

Holding the front established by the First American 
Army at the conclusion of the St. Mihiel offensive, 
extending for thirty miles from Port-sur-Seille, east 
of the Moselle, westward to Fresnes, east of the Meuse, 
the Second American Army begins local operations at 
once, with the 33rd Division, on the left, attacking 
toward CONFLANS and BRIEY, the 28th and 7th 
Divisions, in the center, toward CHAMBLEY and 
VIONVILLE, and the 92nd Division, on the right, 
standing fast, but maintaining close contact with the 
enemy by strong reconnaissances northward in the 
valley of the Moselle. 

It is thus that the Second American Army, organized 
October 1 0th, with Lieutenant General Robert L. Bul- 
lard. Regular Army, of Alabama, in command, goes 
into its first and only battle with an attack which, 
launched on the morning of November 10th, is m full 
swing, developing into a major offensive, when brought 
to an untimely end by the armistice at 1 1 a.m., the 
next day. 

Individual Operations of Battle Units 

Individual operations of the first line battle units of 
the army are briefly narrated in the following pages. 

7th DIVISION 

(Regular Army troops. Major General Edmund 
Wittenmeyer, Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding. 



7th division 429 



For regiments and other units composing f division, 
see page 579,) 

Attack Launched 

Facing the enemy's Michel Position, holding a front 
of six miles extending from the BO IS des RAPPES, 
south of Preny, westward through the BOIS de GRAND 
FONTAINE to a point southeast of Charey on the 
Rupt de Mad, with the 56th, 55th, 64th and 34th In- 
fantry in line from right to left, supported by the 5th 
Field Artillery Brigade, the division launches its attack, 
in its first great battle, shortly after daybreak. 

Opposition Encountered At Once 

Instant opposition is encountered and the whole front 
is swept by machine gun and shell fire from the enemy's 
strong fortifications to the north. Patrols sent out by 
each front line battalion, though suffering immediate 
casualties, succeed in developing the German positions 
and shortly afterwards two companies of the 56th Infan- 
try, in a spirited attack, storm and capture the ridge of 
PRENY, in front of the right flank of the division. 

We Are Compelled to Fall Back 

Leaving detachments behind to consolidate the 
position won, the advance is continued until it comes 
in contact with heavy belts of wire entanglements which 
prove practically impregnable. Repeated efforts to 
pierce these death-trap defenses fail and, being assailed 
by and pinned down under a perfect hurricane of leaden 
missiles and exploding shells, the attacking forces are 
compelled to fall back upon the ridge behind. While 
they manage to hold this position for a while it is soon 
rendered untenable by an almost annihilating concen- 
tration of fire. With losses, already 40 per cent of 
their original strength, constantly increasing, the two 
companies are fi^nally withdrawn to more protected 



430 OPERATIONS WEST OF MOSELLE 

positions south of the ridge which they remain holding 
throughout the night and next day. 

Our Left Successful 

In the meantime, a notable success is achieved by 
the division on the left flank where the 34th Infantry, .i 
sweeping over the hills west of the little stream of 
RUPT de MAD, has driven the enemy from strong 
positions and captured the fortified stone quarry near 
REMBERCOURT, taking twenty-one of the survivors 
of the swift attack prisoners. 

Deadly Opposition Develops 

Immediately afterwards deadly opposition develops, 
rendering progress difficult, but the attack is never- 
theless resolutely pressed on in the direction of CHA- 
REY, carrying the left flank of the division into position 
before a maze of bristling wire obstacles in front of 
MON PLAISIR FARM, a well defended little strong- 
hold, before nightfall. 

Fighting Stopped by Armistice 

Indication of the enemy's intention to contest the 
field until the last moment is immediately apparent in 
a perfectly overwhelming concentration of machine-gun 
and shell fire when an attack against the farm is launched 
at daybreak. Flanking operations are therefore resort- 
ed to, but working against time and deadly resistance, 
— a combination difficult for either experienced or 
inexperienced troops to overcome, — the hour of the 
armistice strikes as the operation against the upland 
stronghold is developing toward success, bringing to 
an end the first and last great battle participation of 
the 7th Division. 

28th DIVISION 
("Keystone'* Division) 

(Pennsylvania National Guard troops. Major Gen- 



28th division 431 



eral William H. Hay, Regular Army, of Florida, now 
in command. For regiments and other units compos- 
ing division, see page 579.) 

Line of Battle 

Withdrawn from the raging inferno of the Meuse- 
Argonne Offensive following their brilliant participation 
in the operations upon the eastern flanks of the forest, 
which compelled the enemy's withdrawal from his 
great woodland stronghold, shifted from one battlefield 
to another with less than one month's respite in between, 
the "Keystone" troops find themselves, upon the eve 
of their last battle, holding a front of seven and a half 
miles from the Rupt de Mad, southeast of Charey, on 
the right, extending westward across the southern 
reaches of Lake Lachaussee to La Seigneulles brook, 
near Doncourt, on the left. 

Jumping Into Attack 

With the esprit born of their great battle experience 
and with the resolute courage and forcefulness which 
have always characterized their operations, thePennsyl- 
vanians jump into the attack promptly at 5:30 o'clock 
on the morning of November 10th, launching three 
simultaneous drives, toward the Hindenburg works in 
front of DOMMARTIN on the right, toward HAU- 
MONT in the center, and toward the BOIS de HAU- 
DRONVILLES BAS and the BOIS des HARAVIL- 
LERS on the left. 

Pressing Forward 

In the midst of a tremendous storm of artillery 
immediately concentrated upon them, the right flank 
units press rapidly forward, capturing MARIMBOIS 
FARM, south of Dampvitoux, in record time, and, 
sweeping on to the^eastward, penetrate into the* BOIS 
de DOMMARTIN soon afterwards, gaining ground 



432 OPERATIONS WEST OF MOSELLE 

which is held until afternoon when, after a brief artil- 
lery preparation, the lines are driven ahead against 
terrific opposition to the northern edges of the woods, 
where positions are consolidated and held throughout 
the night and following day. 

Center Makes Swift Advance 

In the center, a swift advance along the south-eastern 
flank of Lake Lachaussee results in the capture of 
HAUMONT and the seizure of the railroad beyond, 
penetrating into the enemy *s territory to a depth of 
almost two miles before nightfall, while to the west of 
the lake, the left flank units, cooperating with the 
neighboring Illinoisans, sweep through the BOIS de 

HAUDRONVILLES BAS and the BOIS des HARA- 
VILLERS, capturing the fortified farm of HAUTS 
JOURNAUX as their contribution to the day's results. 

In spite of continuous harassing fire upon their lines, 
the Pennsylvanians concentrate strong attacking forces 
on the center during the night with a view to a swift 
penetration of the enemy's positions beyond Haumont 
in the morning. 

Hostilities End 

Launched at daybreak, this operation sweeps the 
attacking lines forward for half a mile to the wire 
entanglements in front of the BOIS de BONSEIL 
resulting, with the previous advances on the right and 
left, in wresting the whole of Lake Lachaussee from 
the enemy's hands as hostilities are suspended at 
1 1 o'clock. 

In this, their last battle of the war, the Pennsylvanians 
thus add a final brilliant achievement to a wonderful 
battle record. 

33rd DIVISION 
("Prairie" Division) 

(Illinois National Guard troops. Major General 



33rd division 433 



George Bell, Jr., Regular Army, of the District of 
Columbia, commanding. For regiments and other 
units composing division, see page 579.) 

Fighting for Forty Days 

In spite of the stram of almost continuous battle for 
over forty days, — having swept the right flank of the 
First American Army smashing through the Hinden- 
burg Lme m the initial attack of the Meuse-Argonne 
offensive and having participated, during the second 
phase of the great battle, in the operations which hurled 
the enemy from the heights east of the Meuse, — the 
famous "Prairie" Division of Illinois, with character- 
istic initiative and undiminished spirit, begins playing 
its role as a first line battle unit in the attacking lines 
of the Second Army even before the curtain is drawn 
upon the last act of the war. 

Gaining Contact With Enemy 

In position upon a front of seven and a half miles* 
with the right flank at La SEIGNEULLES brook and 
the left flank at FRESNES-en-WOEVI^., the division 
gains immediate contact with the enemy by a sudden 
preliminary raid on November 9th in which two com- 
panies of the 131st Infantry, on the right, capture the 
two little woodland strongholds of the BOIS les IIAU- 
TES EPINES and the BOIS de WARVILLE, northeast 
of Doncourt. 

Assault Launched 

With this initial victory as an encouraging start, a 
swift assault is launched early the next morning against 
the strong positions of the German main line of resist- 
ance. It brings an immediate response from the enemy 
in the form of a terrific storm of artillery and machine- 
gun fire concentrated upon the entire divisional froni^ 
but the Illinois troops, undismayed and determined; 

23 



434 OPERATIONS WEST OF MOSELLE 

sweep on in the attack, penetrating into the BOIS 
d*HARVILLE on the right, smashing through th 
German trenches extending from SAULX-en-WOE- 
VRE northeast to MARCHEVILLE in the center, 
and driving the enemy over the hills toward RIAVILLE 
and PINTHEVILLE, on the left. 

Enemy Counter-Action 

Immediately following this signal success the inevi- 
table counter- action develops against the whole front of 
attack, growing gradually to such formidable propor- 
tions that the advance toward PINTHEVILLE on the 
left is finally checked, while the 1 3 1 st Infantry, encoun- 
tering a deadly fire from a perfect cluster of machine 
gun nests, is compelled to retire to the southwestern 
edges of the BOIS d'HARVILLE on the right. 

It is in the center, however, that the enemy, seeking 
to retake the positions between SAULX-en-WOEVRE 
and MARCHEVILLE. makes his most determined 
and desperate e^orts to retrieve lost laurels, hurling 
strong forces into savage counter-attacks against the 
130th Infantry. Fending off the first violent blow 
successfully, the Illinois troops holding MARCHE- 
VILLE, assailed again, finally retire fighting before 
superior numbers to the southern edges of the 
town, but making a resolute and heroic stand there, 
they repulse three successive counter-attacks before 
dark. 

Results for the Day 

With night coming on, the net results for the day 
constitute a creditable total, — the enemy's main line of 
resistance pierced, a considerable advance of the whole 
divisional front made, more than 150 prisoners taken, 
many machine guns and some pieces of artillery cap- 
tured. il 



92nd division 435 



Armistice Calls Halt 

Immediately after daybreak the advance is resumed, 
with the 131st Infantry attacking toward BUTGNE- 
VILLE on the right and the 129th and 130th Infantry 
toward PINTHEVILLE on the left. In spite of violent 
opposition, rapid progress is being made on the whole 
front when the armistice calls the **Prairie'* Division 
to a halt at 1 1 o'clock. 

92nd DIVISION 

("Buffalo" Division) 

(Colored National Army troops of the various States . 
Major General Charles C. Ballou, Regular Army, of 
Illinois, commanding. For regiments and other units 
composing division, see page 579.) 



In position upon a front of nine miles from PORT- 
sur-S£ILLE on the right extending westward and 
crossing the Moselle to a point south of PRENY on 
the left, charged with the mission, as right flank pivot 
of the Second American Army, of holding its lines and 
maintaining close contact with the enemy at the same 
time, the 92nd Division sends the 365th Infantry 
forward as a reconnaissance force at 7 o'clock on the 
morning of November 10th. 

"Buffaloes" Advance 

Protected by a rolling barrage, the "Buffaloes" 
advance upon a wide front east of the Moselle north of 
Pont-a-Mousson, making rapid progress from the start. 
In a spirited assault upon the enemy's outpost line, 
the Germans are driven back to depths varying from 
one to two miles along the entire front of attack. Spur- 
red f on by this success, the regiment sweeps forward, 
capturing the BOIS de FREHAUT, near the Moselle, 



436 OPERATIONS WEST OF MOSELLE 



and the BOIS de VOIVROTTE and the BOIS de 
CHEMINOT to the east. ' 

Enemy Counter'Attacks 

Resistance, slight at first, increases later in the day 
and the BOIS de VOIVROTTE is given up before the 
enemy's vicious counter-attacks in the afternoon. 
However, it proves a short-lived victory for the Ger- 
mans who, in turn, are driven from the woods by the 
colored troops before midnight. 

Left of Line Held Back 

While a considerable advance covering the eastern 
half of the divisional sector is thus achieved, formidable 
resistance and vicious counter-attacks against the flank- 
ing unit (7th Division) render progress difficult west 
of the Moselle and the lines there remain more or less 
stationary throughout the attack. 

Armistice Stops Hostilities . 

When the advance east of the Moselle is resumed at 
daybreak, terrific artillery and machine gun resistance 
is immediately encountered, but, persisting in the 
attack, the 365th Infantry is steadily pushing its battle- 
lines forward north of the BOIS de FREHAUT when, 
at 1 1 o'clock, hostilities are stopped by the armistice. 

In Conclusion 

When the armistice thus intervened, bringing oper- 
ations to an untimely end, the Second American Army 
had already wrested 36 square miles from enemy hands. 
In spite of the fact that the Germans were holding, 
with all their strength, a formidable system of defense 
upon the whole army front, the attack, with only four 
divisions in the battlelines, was progressing favorably, 
gradually developing into a major offensive. Five more 
divisions were assembling to join in the attack and 



92nd division 437 



others were approaching from the rear areas. It is 
probable that a few more days would have witnessed 
a complete shattering of the enemy's defense. 

In the thirty hours in which the army was engaged 
1,380 casualties were incurred, 614 being sustained by 
the 33rd Division, the others being about equally dis- 
tributed among the 7th, 28th and 92nd Divisions. 



438 



WITH THE BRITISH 

From 

THE SCHELDT GANAL TO THE SAMBRE 

Extent of America's Combat Participation 

While the region between the Argonne and the 
Moselle, — witnessing, as it did, America's greatest 
battle achievement in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, — 
constitutes more than any other section of France 
America's own theater of war, American forces, m 
association with the French, Italians, British, Cana- 
dians, Australians and New Zealanders, participated 
in battles of the great World War, from one end to the 
other of the Western Front, — from the frontier of 
Switzerland to the mountains of the Vosges, from the 
wooded ridges and valleys of the Meuse to the fields 
of the Champagne, from the rolling hills between the 
Marne and the Vesle to the lowlands of Flanders Fields. 

Peculiar Distinction of Two American Divisions 

It was, however, the peculiar distinction of the 
Second American Corps* to spend its entire period of 
active service upon the British Front under British 
Army command, participating at first in trench warfare 
by detached battalions and later, in larger units, taking 
part in combat activities around Ypres and Mt. Kem- 
mel, being finally called upon to aid in the cracking of 
the Hindenburg Line in Marshal Haig's great attack 
between St. Quentin and Cambrai, launched late in 
September, 1918, in unison with the offensives of the 
First "^American Army east and the Fourth French 
Army west of the Argonne. 



Consisting of the 27th and 30th American Divisions, under 
command of Major General George W.Read, Regular Army, of Iowa, 



WITH THE BRITISH 439 



Plan of Operations 

Marshal Haig's plan of operations in the general 
offensive decided upon by the Allied Commanders-in- 
Chief contemplated an initial assault on September 27th 
by the First and Third British Armies upon a thirteen- 
mile front before Cambrai, from Sauchy-Lestree to 
Gouzeaucourt, to be followed immediately afterwards 
(September 29th) by an attack of the Fourth British 
Army between St. Quentin and Cambrai upon a front 
of twelve miles from Holnon on the south to Vendhuile 
on the north. 

Enemy's Powerful Position 

In continuous battle for several weeks the Australians 
had pushed the Germans back to the Hindenburg Line, 
bulwarked at this point upon the Scheldt, or St. Quen- 
tin, Canal, with the canal tunnel, cutting under the 
hills for a distance of three miles and a half, from 
Bellicourt to Vendhuile, as the most powerful mainstay 
of a defensive system of tremendous strength made up 
of a succession of heavily wired and intrenched lines 
centering about fortified villages and anchored in steel 
and concrete strong-points, **pill boxes", dugouts, 
artillery emplacements and machine gun nests, extend- 
ing eastward to a depth varying from three to five milesi 

Mission of American Divisions 

It is in an assault upon these formidable positions, 
constituting, perhaps, the strongest portion of the 
Hindenburs: Line upon the British Front, that the 
27th and 30th American Divisions are called upon to 
show their mettle in the execution of the specific 
mission of storming and capturing the tunnel line in 
the initial phase, upon the first day, of the genera! 
attack to be launched September 29th, 



440 WITH THE BRITISH 



Preparing for Action 

In preparation for this task, the two divisions go into 
position behind the battlelines in the center of the 
Fourth British Army, reHeving the 1 8th and 75th Brit- 
ish Divisions, on September 25th. With instruc- 
tions to support our troops closely in the attack and to 
relieve them as soon as the first great objective is 
attained, the 3rd and 5th Australian Divisions move 
into position at the same time behind the American 
battle units. 

27th DIVISION 

(New York National Guard troops. Major 
General John F. O'Ryan, of New York, commanding. 
For regiments and other units composing division, 
see page 579.) 

Prepared to Live Up to Traditions 

With an esprit de corps notable in the annals of the 
National Guard and a record dating back to the Civil 
War, representing, as no other battle unit does, the 
youth and manhood of the great Empire State, the 
division is prepared, in its first great conflict with the 
enemy, to live up to the traditions of the famous regi- 
ments of which it is composed.* 

Brooklynites Remove Enemy Pests 

With enemy machine gunners, who have resisted 
all efforts of the retiring British troops to dislodge 
them, still holding ground in front selected for the line 
of departure of the main attack, immediate preliminary 
work confronts the New York troops upon going into 
position. It is necessary to remove these pests, — ^a task 

* The old 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th. 10th, 12th, 14th, 23rd, 47th, 71st and 
74th Regiments (of Infantry) ; Squadron "A", and the 1st Cavalry ; 
22nd Regiment of En^neers; 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Field Artillery. 



27th division 441 



for which the 106th Infantry (old 23rd Regiment, of 
Brooklyn) Is selected. In the midst of a tremendous 
artillery preparation, scheduled to continue for two 
days, the regiment jumps into its initial operation on 
the morning of September 27th with an assault which 
results in a savage and bloody struggle for enemy 
strong-points centering around GUILLEMONT and 
QUENNEMONT FARMS, north and south of BONY. 
While the positions are captured, they prove difficult 
to hold against vicious attacks by machine gunners 
gaining the surface of the ground through shafts from 
the tunnel below, so that the leading elements of the 
division, taking over the forward trenches during the 
night and holding them the next day, are subjected to 
a perfect hurricane of bullets while preparing for the 
general attack. 

In Position, Ready to Attack 

Meanwhile, however, in spite of all difficulties, pre- 
parations are completed and nightfall September 28th 
finds the New York Division in position for the attack 
to be launched at daylight, with the 108th Infantry 
(old 3rd Regiment of Buffalo) on the right and the 
107th (old famous 7th Regiment) on the left, and the 
1 05th (old 2nd Regiment) and 1 06th Infantry in reserve 
ready to move forward behind the attacking lines to 
protect the flanks and to mop up the enemy positions 
passed over by the leading battalions in the advance 

New Yorkers Plunge Forward 

In the midst of a heavy fog, under an intense barrage 
of high explosive, gas and smoke shells concentrated 
upon the Hindenburg Line, and accompanied by a 
fleet of tanks, the attack is launched at 5:50 o'clock in 
the morning (September 29th), With the New York 
droops plunging forward over the open slopes toward 



442 WITH THE BRITISH 



the blazing German trenches and the ruins of BONY 
and Le CATELET on the canal tunnel ridges. 

Sweeping Swiftly On 

In spite of the impediment of the fog rendering 
haison between units difficult, as well as deadly resist- 
ance resulting in serious losses from the very outset 
of the attack, the forward lines sweep swiftly on, assail- 
ing and storming positions wherever encountered, driv- 
ing the Germans to cover or capturing them in an 
advance that experiences scarcely a pause until the 
107th Infantry penetrates into Le CATELET on the 
left and the 108th Infantry captures BONY and the 
enemy defenses south of the town on the right. 

"Oozing" Forth From Tunnel, Enemy Attacks 

Us In Rear 

In the meantime, however, though the Hindenburg 
Line has been cracked by the leading elements of the 
division, desperate fighting is in progress all over the 
battlefield to the rear. In the concealing mist machine 
gun positions, strong-points, and other defenses passed 
over by the forward attacking lines, have been reoc- 
cupied by the Germans swarming up to the surface 
through hidden shafts from the tunnel below. Follow- 
ing in the wake of the attack, the reserve units of the 
105th and 106th Infantry, swept by decimating fire, 
are soon engaged in deadly and savage conflict with 
constantly increasing numbers as the tunnel continues 

to "ooze" forth more Germans. 

i 

Desperate and Sanguinary Conflict 

With a battle raging to their rear, the 1 07th Infantry, 
on the left, finds itself completely cut off in Le CA- 
TELET for a time, while the 108th Infantry, on the 
right, assailed from all directions, succeeds in clinging 
to its advanced positions south of BONY only by 



27th division 443 



heroic determination and dauntless tenacity which take 
no account of constantly increasing losses. It is a 
desperate and sanguinary conflict, made up of many 
detached and individual actions, in which practically 
all of the fighting units of the division are engaged 
upon the battlefield, hut, though opposed by four 
distinct German divisions and elements of two others, 
possessing the advantage of superior, almost impreg- 
nable, positions everywhere, the New York troops 
gradually overcome the enemy in a struggle which 
continues throughout the day and after dark until final 
^^ictory is achieved as the relieving Australians come 
Forward and take over the conquered positions during 
the night. 

Remarkable Battle Exploit 

With its great mission, — the shattering of the Hind- 
jnburg Line, — achieved in record time, between dayligf t 
md dark of its first day in a great battle, and with 
199 prisoners and miany machine guns, trench mortars 
md rifles captured to its credit, the New York Division 
las, by a remarkable battle exploit, proved itself equal 
n courage, skill and resourcefulness to the best of our 
Dattle units. 

Division Retires for Rest 

Reduced by losses approximating 4,000 men killed 
md wounded, sustained within a few fleeting hours of 
sanguinary strife, the New York troops retire southward 
nto the Peronne area for a period of rest and recuper- 
ition. 

Back to Battlefield 

With the battlelines of the Fourth British Army 
•esting on the western banks of the SELLE, nine miles 
5eyond the shattered Hindenburg defenses, the 27th 
Division, returning to battle, goes into position on the 
ilight of October 1 1 th, relieving the 30th Division, 



444 WITH THE BRITISH 



upon a front of two miles or more between St. SOU- 
PLET on the south and Le CATEAU on the north; 
Here, in a country of green fields, flowering gardens, 
and dwellings still intact, but now suddenly swept 
into the rage of war in the enemy's retreat, the New 
York troops remain in position holding their lines for 
the following five days (October 12th- 16th) as prepa- 
rations are made for a renewal of operations against 
the Germans making a stand behind the railroad 
embankments and on the heights east of the river in 
their desperate effort to check the pursuit of the British 
and American forces. 

Part of Sector Turned Over to Other 
Division 

Meanwhile, the 30th Division, after a brief rest, , 
returns to the front on the night of October 1 6th, taking : 
over from the New York troops the southern half of the 5 
American sector, and thus daylight October 17th finds j 
the two American battle units, side by side, preparing! 
to play their part in an operation designed to drive theij 
enemy from the banks of the SELLE, eastward to thes 
SAMBRE, four miles away. 

Attack Begins ; Desperate Fighting 
Follows 

In a drizzling rain and thick mist, covered by a pro- 
tecting barrage and supported by 14 tanks of the 301st 
American Tank Battalion, the New York troops plunge 
into the attack at 5:25 o'clock in the morning, in the 
face of a heavy counter-barrage of artillery and machine*! 
gun fire immediately thrown down upon them by the 
enemy. In spite of this formidable resistance and 
slippery footing on the wet, chalky soil, the New Yorl 
troops, wading the river, climb the opposite bank anc 
push doggedly on into the mist, assailing"^the enemy': 
trenches on the heights beyond shortly afterwards ir 



27th division 445 



a spirited attack that carries everything before it and 
sweeps the battlelines of the division over the ridge for 
a swift advance eastward. While the formidable 
artillery opposition continues and though the division 
is assailed by several strong counter-attacks during the 
day, rapid progress is made and, with the capture of 
MOLAIN on the right, the battlelines of the divis- 
ion are established extending northward through 
L'ARBRE de GUISE upon a solid front before night- 
fall, with both flanks drawn sharply back on the north 
and south to maintain contact with the adjoining 
divisions. 

Repulsing Counter-Attacks 
When the advance is resumed in the morning (Octo- 
ber 18th) it encounters heavy machine-gun fire from 
farms on the hill-slopes toward the east, but the forward 
movement is resolutely pressed on nevertheless, with 
the New York troops repulsing repeated counter- 
attacks launched against them by the enemy during the 
day. 

New Yorkers Move Swiftly On 

Defeated in his efforts to check the advance, the 
enemy's resistance suddenly weakens in the afternoon, 
when, driving the Germans in retreat before it, the 
New York Division moves swiftly on over the hills, 
capturing the farms of JONG de MER and La ROTTE 
(La ROUGE), crossing the JONG de MER brook, 
stormmg the heights beyond and finally establishing 
its battlelines against deadly opposition in front of the 
ridge west of the St. MAURICE RIVER, within two 
miles of the western banks of the SAMBRE, before 
nightfall, with the right flank resting near the GATIL- 
LON-MAZINGHIEN road on the south and the letf 
flank in position near BAZUEL on the north (October 
18th). In local operations the following day patrols 



446 WITH THE BRITISH 



of the division push forward to the west banks of the 
St„ MAURICE RIVER, discovering the enemy in 
force beyond the SAMBRE. 

Division Relieved 

While artillery is brought forward and preparations 
are made for an organized attack to effect a crossing of 
the SAMBRE, our troops consolidate their positions 
and strengthen their lines in local operations, but, 
battle-worn and tired by its exhausting work, the 
division is relieved before the advance is resumed, 
being withdrawn from the battlelines on the night of 
October 21st for a period of rest in the vicinity of 
AMIENS. 

Armistice Stops Further Fighting 

Prepared and anxious to return to battle, daily 
expecting orders to plunge back into the pursuit of the 
enemy's retreating forces, the New York Division finds 
its brilliant career suddenly cut short on November 
II th as the armistice goes into effect. 

Achievements 
With its notable part in the cracking of the Hinden- 
burg Line and its fighting advance from the Selle 
tov/ard the Sambre as the high lights of a splendid 
battle record, the division has taken a total of 2,357 pri- 
soners and captured 3 pieces of artillery, 25 trench 
mortars, 307 machine guns and 650 rifles. 

Casualties 
In 1 1 days of deadly conflict, the division has sus- 
tained a loss of 64 officers and 1 ,519 men killed, 1 1 offi- 
cers and 241 men dying of wounds, 136 officers and! 
4,388 men wounded, 48 officers and 1,570 men gassed* , 
two officers and 1 1 5 men captured, and 3 officers and 
347 men temporarily missing. 



30 th division 447 



30th DIVISION 

("Old Hickory" Division) 

(National Guard troops of North Carolina, South 
Carolina and Tennessee. Major General Edward 
M. Lewis, Regular Army, of Indiana, commanding. 
For regiments and other units composing division, 
see page 579.) 

Descendants of Opposing Forefathers Now 
Companions-in'-Arins 

Descendants of hardy pioneers who filtered through 
the southern chain of the Appalachians to establish in 
North and South Carohna, and Tennessee plantation 
homes which they held against the Redskin in the 
Indian Wars and defended from the Redcoat in the 
Revolution, worthy inheritors of the fighting spirit 
of forefathers who followed "Old Hickory*'* to New- 
Orleans in the War of 1812, the men of North and 
South Carolina and Tennessee, by a strange reversal 
of fate, are now aligned as companions-in-arms with 
sons of Great Britain for battle against the common foe. 

Awaiting Hour of Attack 

In readiness to carry out the great task of piercing 
the Hindenburg Line before them, for which they, 
together with their comrades of the Empire State on 
their left, have been selected, the Southerners await 
the hour of attack, confident of themselves and certain 
oi their superiority over the Kaiser's legions whom 
:hey face upon a front of two or more miles holding the 
formidable defenses of the canal tunnel between 
3ELLIC0URT and BONY. 



As all Americans know.. "Old Hiekory" was the nickname of 
uaeneral Andrew Jackson. 



44S WITH THE BRITISH 



Assault Launched 

With the North Carolinians of the 120th Infantry 
on the right and the 1 1 9th Infantry on the left in the 
attacking waves and the Tennesseeans of the 1 1 7th 
Infantry and the South Carolinians of the 1 1 8th Infantry 
in reserve, charged with the mission of mopping up 
the village of BELLICOURT. the southern exits of 
the tunnel, and the Hindenburg trenches beyond as 
the battlelines sweep eastward, the assault is launched 
at 5:50 o'clock in the morning of September 29th when 
the Southerners plunge forward into the dense mist 
covering the battlefield with the rolling barrage dropp- 
ing shells at close intervals before them. 

Soon Sweeping Over Enemy's Defenses 
Everywhere 

While the heavy fog renders liaison among the i 
regiments difficult at first and though the battle in the; 
initial stages is carried on by small detachments off 
companies and platoons as they uncover strong-points 
and machine-gun nests in the advance, the forward 
movement soon gains its stride with the battlelines of 
the division sweeping on over the enemy's defenses; 
everywhere. 

North Carolinians Smash Through Hindenburgs 



In a drive of incredible swiftness on the right thet 
North Carolinians of the 1 20th Infantry smash througW 
the three forward trench lines of the Hindenburg 
System, taking in quick succession the town of BELLI- 
COURT, the village of RIQUEVAL and the cana 
entrance there, reaching and conquering, shortly afters 
wards, the division objective, NAUROY, together witl: 
the outlying hamlet of ETRICOURT, and GUIL 
LAINE and RIQUEVAL FARMS, penetrating thr 



30th d iv ision 449 

enemy's defenses to a depth of two miles and a half 
before halting in their breathless advance. 
Left Fights Way Forward 

Meanwhile, the North Carolinians of the 1 1 9th 
Infantry on the left have fought their way forward 
against savage resistance of machine gunners * 'oozed" 
up to the surface of the ground through shafts from 
the tunnel below, and by persistent and heroic efforts 
in a series of bitter struggles have conquered the crests 
of the canal tunnel ridge, establishing the flank of the 
division there in liaison with the New York troops on 
the north. 

"Mopping Up** : Division Relieved 

With its great mission accomplished within a few 
brief hours, the division turns to the task of consolidat- 
ing its gains and ''mopping up** the conquered battle- 
field behind the lines. Desperate little actions occur 
as the Tennesseeans and South Carolinians flush hiding 
Germans from cover in shafts, ditches, and tunnels, 
but the work is finished, resulting in the capture of 
1,481 prisoners, including 47 officers, during the 
afternoon, when the division is relieved by the 5th Aus- 
tralians coming forward to take over the shattered 
defenses of the Hindenburg Line. 

Casualties 

With a loss of 1 2 officers and 459 men killed, 38 offi- 
cers and 1 ,774 men wounded, 1 officers and 273 men 
gassed, 3 officers and 19 men captured, and 1 officer 
and 47 men temporarily missing, the "Old Hickory*' 
Division retires to the reserve of the Fourth British 
Army for a brief period of rest. 

Conquest of Hindenburg Line Completed, 
Preparations Are Made for New General Attack 

In the meantime, the conquest of the subsidiary 
defenses of the Hindenburg System is completed by 

29 



WITH THE BRitlStt 



the Australian and British forces and with the enemy 
in retreat to temporary lines of resistance beyond the 
SELLE and the SAMBRE, preparations are made by 
the Fourth British Army for a new general attack to 
be launched October 8th upon the whole front in 
conjunction with other British forces on the north and 
the French on the south. For this attack, as in the 
shattering blow against the Hindenburg Line, the 
Second American Corps forms the center of the Fourth 
British Army. 

**Oid Hickory** Division Returns to Battlefield 
With only a few days* rest, therefore, the **01d 
Hickory** Division, selected for participation in the 
initial assault, is soon on the way to the front again, 
going into position on the night of October 4th, taking 
over the whole Second Corps sector in the center of i 
the Fourth British Army upon a line of three miles > 
from a point west of FREMONT on the north to sn 
point east of MONTBREHAIN on the south. 
Southerners Ready to Jump Forward 
Morning of October 8th finds the Southerners reac^j 
to jump forward into a drive intended to carry thei 
battlelines swiftly to and across the SELLE, nine milesj] 
head, and eventually to the SAMBRE, fifteen miles | 
way. it means a swift north-eastward advance overt 
an open rolling terrain with the Germans in possession 
of strong, though temporary, lines of resistance upon 
the two rivers, with the villages, farms, hills and ravines 
of the country between organized and incorporated 
into a skillful system of machine gun and artillery) 
defense of which the enemy is a past master. 

Tennesseeans and South ^Carolinians LauncM 

Attack 

Preceded by a rolling barrage laid down by the^ 
British artillery and accompanied by the tanks of the 



^ 3Qyh I division 4SI 

301st American Tank Battalion, the attack is launched 
at 5:10 o'clock in the morning, with the Tennesseeans 
of the 1 17th Infantry heading for BRANCOURT on 
the right and the South Carolinians of the 1 1 8th Infan- 
try striking out for FREMONT on the left. While a 
beavy counter-barrage of gas and high explosive shells 
mmediately descends upon the attacking lines through 
he morning fog, the destructive zone of this artillery 
oncentration is quickly passed and left behind and, 
protected from the enemy's fire, rather than impeded, 
jy the mist, the forward movement soon gathers speed 
n a drive north-eastward over the rolling open country. 
J^esistance is encountered at villages, farms and bits 
f woodland, but swift destruction overtakes the Hun 
nachine gunners as the Southerners press forward in 
n advance that sweeps through BRANCOURT and 
REMONT on the flanks and carries the battlelines 
ver the hills and ravines for a distance of three miles 
rest with the center across the BOHAIN-PRE- 
/[ONT-CAMBRAI road by noon (October 8th). - 

Enemy in Retreat 

Resumed early the next morning, the advance finds 
le enemy, under long range artillery fire and offering 
nly rear guard opposition by machine guns, retiring 
ipidly toward the east, leaving behind blazing build- 
igs and exploding ammunition dumps fired by his 
jrces in a precipitous retreat to the SELLE, 
Our Men Pursuing 

In swift pursuit, guided by clouds of smoke and 
illars of flame, the Southerners cover a distance of 
mr rniles, occupying BUSIGNY and BECQUIGNY, 
itabhshing their lines astride the enemy's important 
lilroad line running from Metz through Mezieres 
id Hirson to Valenciennes and Lille, by 5 o'clock in 
le evening (October 9th). 



452 WITH THE BRITISH 



Pursuit Continued 

Immediately after daybreak, the division continues 
the pursuit and in a rapid advance^of a mile occupies 
VAUX-ANDIGNY on the right, and ESCAUFORT 
on the left, with a thrust into St. SOUPLET, on the 
western banks of the SELLE, in the center, bringing 
the battlelines finally to a halt under a storm of artillery 
and machine-gun fire from the crests of the hills east 
of the stream held by strong enemy reinforcements; 
rushed forward to aid the retreating Germans in the: 
defense of the river line against the onslaughts of the 
British and Americans (October 10th). 

Front Lines of Division Established on Banks 

of the Selle 

In local operations the following day, St. SOUPLET 
is "mopped up" and cleared of laggard Huns, St. 
BENIN to the north is captured, and the front lines 
of the division, against deadly opposition from the 
eastern heights, are firmly established on the western 
banks of the SELLE commanding the railroad paral- 
leling the riv^r from St. SOUPLET northward to Le 
GATEAU (October 11 th). 

Southerners Relieved By New Yorkers 
Relieved during the night by their comrades of the 
New York division, the Southerners, having by brillian 
operationsiaided in carrying the front of the Fourtl 
British Army to the SELLE within four days, retir< 
from the battlefield for a brief period of well-earner 
rest at the rear. 

Germans Concentrate Strong Forces, But Art 
Hurled From Their Positions 

While preparations are made for a passage of th 
SELLE and a drive for the SAMBRE six miles awa^ 
the enemy concentrates strong forces, — five complet 



30th division 453 



divisions and elements of six others, — ^against the 
Fourth British Army for a stubborn defense of the 
river line, but it proves a futile effort when» — the "Old 
Hickory** Division having, meanw^hile, returned to the 
battlelines on the right of the New York division,-— a 
general attack, launched upon the whole front at day- 
light October 17th, hurls the Germans suddenly from 
their positions and drives them in retreat toward 
the east. 

Attack Develops Desperate Opposition 

Desperate opposition develops nevertheless as the 
attack, progressing beyond the initial stages, uncovers 
the enemy's light artillery and machine-gun defense 
centering about villages, farms and hilltops hastily 
prepared for resistance. Vicious counter-attacks, re- 
peatedly made and as repeatedly repulsed, slow down 
progress during the morning and assailing RIBEAU- 
VILLE, the Southerners of the "Old Hickory*' Division 
find themselves engaged in a violent struggle which 
continues until the town is finally captured with the 
aid of an artillery barrage towards noon. 

Fighting By Moonlight 

- Resistance weakens during the late afternoon, 
however, and the battlelines are pushed rapidly east- 
ward approaching the SAMBRE in the evening, when, 
as a final achievement for the day, MAZINGHIEN 
is captured in a moonlight attack by the Southern troops 
(October 17th). 

Lines Established On Western Heights of Sambre 

In patrol operations, carried forward against terrific 
artillery and machine-gun opposition from the eastern 
heights of the Sambre, positions are seized the following 
day (October 18th) upon the last ridge overlooking 
the river and the canal at CATILEON. Within the 



454 WITH THE BRITISH 



next few days the lines of the division, being consolidat- 
ed and strengthened* are firmly astablished on the 
western heights of the SAMBRE. 

Division Relieved 

With their mission^ — that of advancing their section 
of the front of the Fourth British Army to the enemy's 
last river line — accomplished, the Southerners, battle- 
worn and exhausted, are relieved on the night of Oc- 
tober 21st, retiring for a period of rest in the vicinity 
of Amiens where the armistice finds them still looking 
hopefully forward to another opportunity of trying 
their mettle against the enemy. 

Splendid Achievement 

Participating in three distinct phases of the great 
offensive of the Fourth British Army, smashing the 
Hindenburg Line within one day in the first phase, 
driving the enemy to the banks of the SELLE in the 
second and to the SAMBRE in the third, taking 3,800 
prisoners and capturing, in addition to other materiel, 
the remarkable total of 81 pieces of artillery, 26 trench 
mortars, 424 machine guns and 1,726 rifles, the men 
of North and South Carolina and Tennessee have 
proved themselves worthy sons of "Old Hickory**. 

Casualties 

In its three periods of battle participation, the division 
has suffered a loss of 44 officers and 1,021 men killed, 
103 officers and 3,928 men wounded, 20 officers and 
lv071 men gassed, 3 officers and 27 men captured, and 
2 officers and 196 men temporarily missing. 

In Conclusion 

In successes achieved, in suffering, hardships, and 
privations endured, in casualties sustained and losses 
inflicted upon the enemy, it was th « privilege of the 
American soldiers of the 27th and 30th Divisions to 



30th division 455 



share, in common with British comrades, struggles and 
triumphs of the same sort as our troops of other divi- 
sions experienced with French comrades elsewhere 
along the Western Front. 

In their notable service on the British front under 
British Army command the two divisions, by their 
gallant work, have sustained the reputation of the 
American soldier for courage, resourcefulness, deter- 
mination and skill, well meriting the praise bestowed 
upon them by British commanders, including Field 
Marshal Lord Haig, General Rawlinson of the Fourth 
British Army, and General Monash, of the Australian 
Corps. 



456 

OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM 

Four American divisions participated in operations 
in Belgium, the 27th and 30th with British Forces, and 
the 37th and 91st with French forces in the Allied 
army commanded by the King of the Belgians. * 

Critical Situation Confronting British When 
Americans Were Rushed Into Support Positions 

In the tense and extremely critical situation confront- 
ing the British Army in Flanders in July, 1918, when 
the powerful forces of the Crown Prince Rupprecht of 
Bavaria, after smashing through the British Front 
about Armentieres and capturing the commanding 
eminence of Mount Kemmel in April, were preparing 
for another forceful drive for the capture of the channel 
ports to the northwest and the seizure of the coal fields 
of Bethune to the southwest, the 27th and 30th Amer- 
ican Divisions, still in training behind the British 
lines, were assigned to the Second British Army of 
General Plumer and rushed into support positions 
known as the East and West Poperinghe Defense 
System, immediately in rear of the Ypres and Dicke- 
busch Sectors in Belgium, 

Tense Moments 
Momentarily expected, the blow was withheld from 
day to day by the German High Command, apparently 



* 27th Division, National Guard troops of New York, Maj. Gen. 
John F. O'Ryan, of New York, commanding ; 30th Division, Natiorjal 
Guard troops of North and South Carolina and Tennessee, Maj. Gen. 
Edward M. Lewis, Regular Army, of Indiana, commanding ; 37th Divi- 
sion, National Guard of Ohio, Maj. Gen. Charles S. Farnsworth, Regular 
Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding ; 91st Division, National Army 
troops of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, 
Montana and Wyoming. Maj. Gen, Wm. M. Johnstoh, of Ohio, conj- 
manding. 



27th division 457 

only awaiting the outcome of the Fifth German Offen- 
sive east and west of Reims, when with electric swift- 
ness Marshal FocK seized the mitiative from the enemy 
by his brilliant counter-stroke southwest of Soissons, 
resulting in the precipitous withdrawal of many of the 
Kaiser's legions from Flanders, especially reserves 
intended for the offensive against the channel ports, 
to be rushed southward in an attempt to save the 
German Imperial Crown Prince from being crushed 
in the Marne Salient. 

Situation Relieved, British Launched Offensives 

Increasing gradually as the enemy suffered defeat 
after defeat in southern sectors of the Western Front, 
the v/ithdrawal of German forces from the north 
continued into August, when, with pressure against 
them lessening and the threat against the channel ports 
removed, the British launched local offensives initiating 
operations which afterwards swept the Hun hordes out 
of Belgium. 

American Divisions Veteranized 

Meanwhile, lying under the blazing ramparts of 
Mount Kemmel, maintaining and holding the support 
positions of the Second British Army under daily shell- 
fire in July and August (1918), with their battalions 
going into the front line trenches four at a time for 
instruction in closer contact with the enemy, the two 
American divisions were gradually veteranized and 
finally, taking over forward battlelines in their sectors, 
entered upon the finishing course of their training in 
their first operation against the Germans. 

27th DIVISION 

(New York National Guard troops. Major Gen- 
eral John F. 0*Ryan, of New York, commanding.) 



458 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM 

(For regiments and other units composing division^ 
see page 579 ) 

Huns ^'StraHng** Americans 

Moving forward over the devastated battlefield of 
Ypres, swept time and again by the ravages of war, 
the division goes into the battlelines of the Dickebusch 
Sector, extending from VOORMEZEELE (north) to 
a point northwest of MOUNT KEMMEL (south), 
on August 24th. Discovering Americans in the front 
line trenches, the enemy immediately begins "strafing" 
the newcomers, resorting to every method of harass- 
ment which four years of savage conflict and bitter 
trench warfare has developed to diabolical perfection. 
Persisted in day after day, it is the favorite Hun method 
of testing the quality of new opponents, but it falls to 
shake the mettle of the New York troops, who return 
blow for blow until finally into dull-witted German 
consciousness the truth is driven home that the soldiers 
from across the sea» though assailed by artillery, 
machine guns, trench mortars and hand grenades, 
throwing gas and high explosive shells, "flying pigs" 
and bursting bombs among them, are not to be demo- 
ralized or discouraged, much less swerved in the 
tenacity of purpose with which they hold their ground, 

"Doughboy" and "Tommy" Have Surprise 
in Store for "Fritz" 

Indeed, a surprise lies in store for the Germans in 
secret preparations behind the blazing lines for a 
general attack upon the whole front of the Second 
British Army. Launched suddenly on August 31st, 
the blow staggers the enemy by its initial force and 
swiftness. "Doughboy" and **Tommy" are soon 
assailing Huns with a camaraderie of spirit and buoyant 
unity of purpose that prove an irresistible combination 



30th division 459 

as the battlelines sweep up against and over the German 
trenches in the first few moments of the attack. For- 
midable and deadly opposition develops later, but the 
attack is pressed resolutely on, progressing into an 
operation in which during the next two days the New 
Yorkers advance their lines over a mile across the 
famous battlefield, occupying VIERSTRAET RIDGE 
in the center and gaining the northern slopes of 
MOUNT KEMMEL and the eastern side of WYTS- 
CHAETE RIDGE on the right. 

Division Relieved 

With this achievement as a notable contribution to 
the preliminary offensive of the Second British Army, 
the division is relieved on September 3rd and v^th- 
drawn to its training area for special instruction in 
joint battle action with tanks preparatory to operations 
in the Cambrai-St. Quentin Sector, 

30th DIVISION 

C'Old Hickory*' Division) 

(National Guard troops of North and South Caro- 
lina, and Tennessee. Major General Edward M. 
Lev^s, Regular Army, of Indiana, commanding. For 
regiments and other units composing division, see 
page 579.) 

Going Into Battleline 

Relieving their British comrades with whom for one 
month they have been brigaded, alternating by batta- 
lions in holding the front line trenches against the 
enemy, the Southerners of the **OId Hickory'* Division 
find themselves in control of the Ypres Canal Sector 
on the evening of August 17th, with their battleline 
units in position from the southern outskirts of Ypres 
on the north to Voormezeele on the south. 



460 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM 

Germans Make Discovery; Southerners 
Return Amenities 

With promptness characteristic of German routine, 
the enemy immediately acknowledges his discovery of 
a change in front line troops by the usual hostile de- 
monstration combining all varieties of fire. It is a 
challenge which the Southerners accept and respond 
to with equal promptness and hostility. Meanwhile, 
however, it moves them to measures, conceived in a 
spirit of almost boyish mischief, that soon materialize 
in tactics which, in Hun opinion, violate all the amenities 
established by four years of stereotyped trench warfare. 

Teuton Fails to Understand Anglo-Saxon 
Sportsmanship and Sense of Humor 

Failmg to understand the sportsmanship of the 
Briton, the enemy fails equally to appreciate the humor 
of the fun-loving American of "Dixieland* to whom 
war, even though it be a serious adventure, must yield 
its diversions. Indeed, it is really in a game of hide 
and seek between the lines, staged with frequency 
annoying to the enemy, that the Southerners find their 
amusement and opportunity to play upon the fears 
and susceptibilities of their impressionable opponents, 
descendmg m swift raids and forays upon sentry posts, 
outposts and ^'listening posts", dragging startled Huns 
away with thern in the dead of night as they scamper 
back to their own lines with their native "Rebel Yell" 
echoing through the mysterious realms of *'No Man's 
Land" behind them. It strikes terror, — this sort of 
thing, — to the phlegmatic Teuton mind and soon 
convinces the Germans that they have before them a 
strange species of foe in men who play pranks upon 
them at night and yet carry on the serious business of 
war by day. 



30th division 461 



Southerners Prepare for "Big Show" 

In the meantime, holdmg their ground day after day 
under storms of artillery and machine-gun fire, swept 
by waves of gas, attacked by aeroplanes spraying bullets 
down upon them, bombarded by minnenwerfers and 
assailed by hand grenades, the Southerners, behind 
the veil of a grueling daily routine, secretly prepare 
their *3ump off" positions and "lines of departure" 
for their first operation as a divisional unit, — their 
first "big show**. 

"Over the Top" 

When the attack, inaugurating a local oflensive upon 
the whole front of the Second British Army, goes 
"Over the top" at daylight August 31st, it is a complete 
surprise to the unsuspecting enemy. Incapable of 
withstanding the first furious onslaughts of "Tommy 
Atkins** and the sons of "Johnny Reb**, striking them 
suddenly in the hazy dawn of early morning, the Ger- 
mans are hurled from their front line trenches and 
driven in precipitous retreat to their secondary defenses 
where, recovering somewhat, they make a desperate 
and resolute stand, fighting for time to enable their 
reserves to organize upon the main lines of resistance 
in the rear. 

Pressing Forward By Persistent and Heroic 

Efforts 

Meanwhile, the initial attack merges into a progres- 
sive operation m which for two days gains are achieved 
only by persistent and heroic efforts against increasing 
and formidable opposition. Gradually, however, the 
battlelines are driven across the devastated and conse- 
crated ground of Ypres with the Southerners carrying 
the front of the Second British Army in their sector 
forward over the, battlefield for a distance close on to 
a mile, wresting LOCK No. 8 of the Canal southwest 



462 QPERATK^S m BELGIUM 

of YPRES from the enemy and capturing LANKHOF 
FARM and the village of VOORMEZEELE before 
the offensive is brought to its first halt. 

Division Relieved 

With its objectives thus attained, the division remains 
in position for two days consolidating and strengthening 
its gains, being relieved and withdrawn from the sector 
on September 4th to enter upon a special course of 
training in combined operations with tanks. 

Casualties 

In its first operation participating in a major offensive, 
the division has sustained a loss of 3 officers and 63 men 
killed, 9 officers and 322 men wounded, 3 men captured 
and 4 men temporarily missing. 

27th and 3Dtli Divisions Sent to N^w Fields 

Finishing their training towards the end of Sept- 
ember, the 27th and 30th Divisions, being assembled 
amder the command of the Second American Corps, 
were assigned to the Fourth British Army and sent 
into Ae batdelines between St. Quentin and Cambrai 
as battering rams against the Hindenburg Line in the 
:great attack of September 29th,— a role which they 
carried out with great distinction. (See pages 438- 
454.) 

37th and 91 St DIVISIONS 

Lkies Held In Flanders Fields By Allies 
and Cermans 

1-n the general offensive, waged by the Allies from 
^ne to 'die other end of the Western Front, progressive 
successes in Flanders gradually advanced the battlelines 
of the British, French and Belgian Armies, operating 
binder the King of the Belgians, so that by October 22, 
1918, the British held the western banks of the 
SCHELDT <Escaut) irmn VALENCIENNES to 



37th division 463 



AVELGHEM, while the French and Belgians occupied 
a line running north from AVELGHEM across the 
RIVER LYS, thence north-eastward to the frontier of 
Holland. While the Belgian coast was thus clear, 
the Kaiser *s legions still held a great portion of 
Belgium, east of the LYS, within their despoiling 
hands. 

Piaximng New Offensive 

When the 37th and 91st American Divisions, after 
their battles between the Meuse and the Argonne, 
were sent as reinforcements to Belgium towards the 
end of October, preparations were in progress for a 
new offensive with the object of driving the German 
forces eastward, effecting the capture of GHENT, and 
advancing the northern flank of the Western Front to 
and beyond the line of the SCHELDT from 
AVELGHEM north-eastward to the Dutch border. 

King oi Belgiun^ Assigns American Divisions 
to French Army 

Immediately upon their arrival in Belgium, the two 
American battle units, reporting to the Belgian King, 
were assigned to the French Army in FLANDEI^ for 
participation in a great general attack to be launched 
in conjunction with the Belgian Army on the left and the 
Second British Army on the right upon the whole front 
from VALENCIENNES northward on October 31st, 

37th DIVISION 

("Buckeye" Division) 

(Ohio National Guard troops. Major General 
Charles S. Farnsworth, Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, 
commanding. For regiments and other units compos- 
ing division, see page 579.) 



464 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM _^ 

Going Into Position 

Looking forward to the opportunity of aiding in 
driving the Hun from the soii of Belgium, the division 
moves forward into the CRUYSHAUTEM SECTOR 
immediately east of the RIVER LYS on October 29th 
and, relievmg the 132nd French Division during the 
night, goes into position as the right flank unit of the 30th 
French Corps upon a front of two miles along the 
embankment of the railway connecting COURTRAI 
and GHENT, with the highroad between CRUYSH- 
AUTEM and OLSENE as the dividing line between 
its two infantry brigades. 

Division Faces Enemy Position of Commanding 

Strength 

In possession of the crest of CRUYSHAUTEM 
RIDGE the highest point between the Lys and the 
Scheldt, with machine guns nested at farmsteads and 
in small patches of woods or mounted behind fences 
and hedges separating cultivated fields on the gradually 
ascending forward slopes and backed up by artillery 
in place behind and beyond the reverse slopes to the 
east, the enemy holds a position of commanding strength, 
in the immediate front of the division, likely to call forth 
all the skill and resourcefulness of the "Buckeye" 
troops to capture in the impending attack. 

We Are Strengthened By French Units 

In anticipation of formidable resistance, the artillery 
of the 1 1 2th French Division is moved into supporting 
positions behind the lines, while a French aero squad- 
ron, balloon company and cavalry unit are attached to 
the division for observation and reconnaissance work, 
and thus strengthened, nightfall October 30th finds 
the Ohioans in readiness for battle. 



37th division 465 



"Buckeye" Troops Go **Over the Top'* 

Preceded by an Intense artillery preparation which, 
breaking suddenly through the silence of early dawn, 
sweeps forward over the long ascending slopes in the 
front of the division, the attack is launched at 5:30 
o'clock in the morning (October 31st) as the '^Buckeye" 
troops go **Over The Top", with the 145th Infantry on 
the right and the 1 48th Infantry on the left, the 1 1 2th 
Engineers following in close support behind the lines 
in the center and the 1 46th Infantry in division reserve 
and the 148th Infantry in corps reserve echeloned in 
rear on opposite flanks. 

Ohioans Sweep Forward Through 
Clouds of Gas 

In an immediate artillery response, the enemy brings 
down a terrific counter preparation of arsene gas shells 
releasing clouds of poisonous vapors which an unfa- 
vorable westward wind carries back over the 'battlefield 
as far as the division headquarters at DENTERGHEM 
four miles away. While it gives a temporary pause 
to the attacking lines, the Ohioans, recovering quickly, 
are soon sweeping eastward over the slopes, making 
rapid progress in spite of heavy shelling, especially on 
the roads, gaining their first objective, practically half 
way to CRUYSHAUTEM, by 8:15 a.m. Prisoners 
scooped in on the way predict desperate resistance by 
the enemy holding the crests of the ridge, but undis- 
mayed by the prospect, the * 'Buckeye" troops, with 
only a temporary delay for a brief breathing spell, 
press on, carrying their battlelines over fences and 
hedges, across cultivated fields, past farmsteads, and 
through bits of woodland, steadily gaining ground 
upward over the fire-swept slopes. 

30 



466 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM ^^ ^_^ 

WomenandChildren Killed by Hun 
Artillery 

Increasing constantly in volume, German artillery 
fire continues to deluge the whole area, descending 
with malevolent fury and destructiveness upon little 
towns and hamlets in the rear, killing and wounding 
Belgian civilians, especially at OLSENE, now several 
miles behind the moving battlelines. Failing to halt 
our spirited infantry advance or to impose more than a 
brief delay upon ambulances and military transport 
following up the attack over the well-paved roads, it 
serves no purpose save to blot out the lives of innocent 
men, women and children. 

Grueling, Desperate Task 

Machine-gun fire sweeps against the battlelines in 
a perfect storm as our troops approach the blazing 
ridge towards 1 1 o'clock, but after our artillery, coming 
swiftly to the aid of the infantry, shells the enemy's 
positions and the slopes below the crest, the Ohioans 
leap into the attack again upon the whole divisiona 
front determined to drive the Germans from the com- 
manding heights. It is a grueling, desperate task in 
which ground is gained in leaps and bounds literally 
yard by yard against an almost decimating fire combing 
the slopes before them, but, with a grim doggedness of 
spirit that refuses to yield in the conflict, the Ohioans 
gradually advance their battlelines upward step by 
step until early in the afternoon, when the 1 45th Infan- 
try, in a final heroic eflFort, storms and captures the 
crest on the right as the 148th Infantry, held back by 
the same overwhelming resistance which has delayed 
the flanking 12th French Division, gains a precarious 
foothold just below the top of the ridge on the left, 
Ohioans and "Poilus" Launch New Attack 
Realigned upon a solid front, the Ohioans in joint 



37th division 467 



action with the *Poilus** launch a new attack at 3 o'clock 
in the filternoon which results in clearing the crest at 
the center within a few hours and before night in 
establishing the lines on the level top of the ridge 
overlooking the town of CRUYSHAUTEM and com- 
manding the valley to the eastward, though the extreme 
flanks, having encountered desperate resistance, are 
echeloned sharply back to maintain touch with the 
adjoining French divisions on the right and left. 

Germans Hurled From Their Positions 

In sheer desperation the Germans cling to certain 
portions of the crest during the night, but they are 
swiftly hurled from, their positions in the initial assault 
which sweeps over the ridge everywhere and down the 
reverse eastern slopes when the attack is resumed at 
6:30 o'clock in the morning (November Ist). With 
the Scheldt as the great goal to be gained before night- 
fall, the advance eastward is soon under way. Within 
half an hour the Ohioans are pushing through the 
meandering streets of CRUYSHAUTEM and twenty 
minutes later the town of WANNEGHEM-LEDE is 
occupied. 

Enemy Withdrawmg Everywhere 

While all or parts of five different German divisions, — 
according to identifications secured from prisoners, — 
have held the front against the "Buckeye'* troops, 
developments during the morning, as the forward move- 
ment sweeps on, disclose the enemy withdrawing 
everywhere with the obvious intention of making a 
stand behind the barrier of the Scheldt. Machine 
gunners left behind to cover the retreat prove trouble- 
some now and then, but they are quickl}^ pounced 
upon and crushed or captured without delaying the 
swift pursuit. 



468 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM 



"Buckeye** Troops Moving Swiftly Forward 

Indeed,^ so rapid is the advance that the Ohioans 
soon outdistance all ordinary means of communication, 
leaving the division and other headquarters at the rear 
frequently in doubt as to the location of the swiftly 
moving front In its uninterrupted eastward drive. 
Reconnaissance "plsines** winging their flight overhead, 
seeking to follow and report the movements of the lead- 
ing units, find It difficult to distinguish the white cloth 
panels placed on the ground to mark the forward lines 
in the^ midst of fluttering handkerchiefs waved by 
enthusiastic Belgians greeting our troops and cheering 
them on upon the enemy's heels. Refugees flocking 
to the rear report the Ohioans within one mile of the 
Scheldt at noon, engaged in sharp encounters with 
delaying detachments of enemy troops covering the 
retreat of larger forces to strong German positions in 
the hills half a mile east of the river. 

Resistance Retards Progress 

While this resistance, as later reports show, delays 
progress somewhat during the afternoon, the forward 
movement, being pressed on, sustains no appreciable 
check until swept within range of the enemy's weli 
directed fire from the heights beyond the river towards 
evening. 

On Banks of the Scheldt 

Within easy reach of their great goal, however, the 
Ohioans drive on against increasing opposition until 
the leading regiments, having covered a distance of five 
miles since morning, are firmly established upon the 
bluffs of the western banks of the Scheldt at 6 o'clock 
with the 145th Infantry in possession of EYNE on the 
right and the 148th Infantry of HEURNE on the left 
(November 1st). 



37th division 469 



Some of Us Cross 

Immediate preparations are made for a crossing, 
to be attempted under the cover of darkness, aided by 
an intense artillery preparation and rolling barrage. 
Light batteries, rushed up behind the infantry lines, 
are soon shelling the east bank of the Scheldt while 
heavier batteries, m positions farther back, concentrate 
their fire upon the enemy's defenses on the hills half a 
mile beyond the river. Divining our intentions, the 
German artillery instantly retaliates, sweeping the 
marshy lov/land of the valley, storming the bluff 
between EYNE and HEURNE, and assailing the 
embankment of the GHENT-AUDENARDE railway 
at its base. In a brief space the night is an inferno of 
flashing fire and thunderous sound. From the opposite 
bank, machine guns contribute their sinister death 
rattle to the storm. In the midst of it, with gas and 
high explosive shells raining down upon them and 
bullets whining about them, the Ohioans struggle 
heroically through the night to effect a crossing of the 
stream, being rewarded by the first measure of success 
when small detachments of the 148th Infantry finally 
gain the opposite bank at HEURNE over bridges 
improvised from fallen trees and wreckage of houses 
from the town at 8:25 o'clock in the morning. Within 
another two hours 300 more men manage to cross to 
the eastern side of the river before the makeshift 
bridges go down behind them in a gale of fire. Isolated 
and cut off though they are, the gallant Ohioans "dig 
in" and hold their ground against all efforts to drive 
them back across the river. 

Crossing Operations Shifted 

With a hurricane of artillery sweeping continuously 
over HEURNE, — practically destroying the town, — 
crossing operations are shifted southward to EYNE, 



470 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM ^ 

where infantrymen and engineers, working like Trojans 
under constant fire throughout the day» finally succeed 
towards evening in spanning the stream with two 
pontoons over which the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 
148th Infantry cross the river during the night. Later 
the heroic engmeers complete a foot-bridge which 
enables a battalion of the 145th Infantry to gain the 
eastern banks at midnight (November 2nd). 

Enemy Attempts Desperately to Prevent 
Crossing 

Meanwhile, the day has been one of terrific battle 
between the opposing combatants protecting or contest- 
ing the crossing. German batteries and machine guns 
have continuously assailed the infantry units debouch- 
ing across the Scheldt, while hostile aeroplanes swooping 
down in flocks of as many as ten at one time have 
machine-gunned the bridges and passages of the river 
steadily throughout the day. French and German 
artillery have waged an incessant duel. In spite of the 
enemy's desperate and persistent efforts to prevent a 
crossing, however, daylight November 3rd finds four 
machine gun companies and ten infantry companies 
of the "Buckeye" Division and four infantry companies 
and two machine gun companies of the 12th French 
Division in firm possession of a strong line across the 
river. 

Ohioans* Splendid Achievement 

With the adjoining divisions still held to their posi- 
tions upon the western banks by the formidable oppo- 
sition of the enemy and the destruction of all bridges 
before them, the Ohioans have achieved the honor and 
distinction of forcing the passage of the Scheldt upon 
ihe front of the French Army. Within the brief space 
of three days, with two successive missions, — the 
conquest of Cruyshautem Ridge and the crossing of 



37th division 471 

the Scheldt, — brilhantly accompHshed, driving the 
Huns from Belgian soil in the intervening pursuit of 
nine miles, wresting many Belgian towns from the 
hands of the invader, taking 367 prisoners, and captur- 
ing quantities of military materiel, includmg 8 pieces 
of artillery and 1 1 machine guns, the "Buckeye" troops 
have contributed a notable record to the annals of the 
American Expeditionary Forces in the World War. 

Division Relieved 

Weakened by losses of 1 ,600 men killed and wounded 
and exhausted by strenuous exertions in two successive 
battles, the division is ordered relieved and, being 
gradually withdrawn from the battlefield upon the two 
succeeding days (November 3rd-4th), retires for a 
brief period of rest in the vicinity of THIELT, twenty 
miles northwest. 

Enemy Gradually Withdrawing 

In the meantime, while the French forces remain 
holding the line of the SCHELDT and the bridgehead 
established by the Ohioans beyond the river at EYNE, 
it is discovered that the Germans, behind the sub- 
terfuge of a stiff defense maintained with apparent 
vigor along the whole front, are gradually withdraw- 
ing toward the east. 

"Buckeye** Division Rushed Back to Front 

Preparations in progress for a new general attack,— 
intended to carry the battlelines of the French Army 
eastward over the intervening watershed to the 
DENDRE river, fifteen or sixteen miles away, — are 
therefore hastened and with only four days' rest the 
"Buckeye** Division is rushed back to the front, going 
into position November 9th in the SYNGHEM SEC- 
TOR between HEUVEL and ASPER, immediately 
north of its former battlefield on the SCHELDT. 



472 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM 

Ohioans Relieve "Poilu" Comrades 

In readiness to play its role in the closing act of the 
great war, selected for a place of honor in the vanguard 
of the French Army of Flanders, the division relieves 
the units of the two French divisions originally chosen 
to make the initial advance across the river. With 
orders to push on regardless of artillery support, the 
Ohioans, cheered on by their *'Poilu" comrades whom 
they have replaced, move forward immediately aftee 
daybreak the next morning (November 10th) into thr 
U-shaped bend of the SCHELDT, east of SYNGHEM. 

Compened to Force Passage of River Elsewhere 

Finding the bridges all destroyed, the marshy 
lowlands along the river under deep water, the German 
artillery storming SYNGHEM and its vicinity with a 
terrific fire of 1 50 -millimeter (6-inch) shells, and with 
no supporting attack in progress to the right and left, 
the division is confronted at the very outset by the 
task of forcing a passage of the SCHELDT, — elsewhere 
and upon its own initiative. 

Complete Success Achieved 

With characteristic resource, however, the Ohioans 
solve the problem when a first crossm.g is effected at 
the re-entrant bend of the river opposite HEUVEL in 
the area of the adjoining French division at 10 o'clock 
by detachments of the 146th Infantry. In spite of the 
enemy's efforts against it, the passage of the stream 
continues, achieving complete success by mid-afternoon 
when the whole regiment wins to the other bank and, 
moving off eastward immediately afterwards, takes 
possession of the villages of NEDERZWALM and 
HERMELGEM, establishing the right flank of the 
division firmly upon the higher ground beyond the 
river before night. 



37th division 473 



Desperate Struggle on Left 

Meanwhile, the Ohioans of the 147th Infantry have 
been engaged in a desperate struggle on the left flank 
in efforts to span the stream near ASPER under the 
blazing guns of German batteries holding the heights 
east of the river. Finally, however, French supporting 
artillery is brought forward and, dropping a box 
barrage upon the enemy's positions, succeeds in 
reducmg the German fire sufficiently to enable the 
infantry to complete a foot-bridge at 2 o'clock in the 
afternoon. It proves nevertheless to be a hazardous, 
indeed, practically an impossible task for any consider- 
able number to gain the opposite bank in the face of a 
storm which, though somewhat abated by our own 
fire, is still deadly enough to prevent a crossing in 
force during daylight. 

Crossing the Scheldt for Second Time 

With the approach of protecting darkness, the 
Ohioans take swift advantage of fleeting moments, 
and though the foot-bridge be small and frail and the 
hurricane of fire still continues, one by one, first squads, 
then platoons, finally companies and battalions make 
the dangerous passage until midnight finds the whole 
regiment on the eastern side "digging m" the left flank 
of the division upon a strong line two hundred yards 
east of the river (November 10th). For the second 
lime have the "Buckeye" troops thus forced a crossing 
of the SCHELDT upon the front of the French Army 
in Flanders. 

Armistice Ends War — and Hun Ruthlessness 
in Belgium 

Dawn of Armistice Day breaks upon the Ohioans 
aligned upon a solid front with the enemy everywhere 
in retreat before them and, though the advance is 



4?4 OPERATtONS IN BELGIUM 

delayed, — by orders, — until 10 o'clock, making the 
most of the hour that remains to them, they sweep 
swiftly eastward over the hills, passing their first 
line of objectives marked by the villages of LAE- 
THEM-Ste.-MARIE and MEYLEGEM >and thrust- 
ing patrols forward to seize the hamlets of ZWAR- 
TENBROEK, DICKELE and KERKEN as 1 1 o'clock 
ends the war and Hun ruthlessness in Belgium. 

91st DIVISION 

("Wild West" Division) 
(National Army troops of Alaska, Washington, 
Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana,Wyoming, 
and Utah. Major General William H. Johnston, 
Regular Army, of Ohio, commandmg. For regiments 
and other units composing division, see page 579.) 

Going Into Battleline 

Proud of the distinction of being selected to partici- 
pate in the closing operations of the great war in 
Belgium, the Westerners of the 91st Division move- 
forward on the night of October 29th, going into the 
battlelines of the French Army of Flanders between 
WAEREGHEM and STEENBRUGGE east of the 
LYS to face the Germans in strong force holding 
powerful positions with machine guns and artillery 
upon the heights of SPITA^^LS BOSSCHEN, a great 
wooded knoll dominating a terrain of gently-sloping 
ridges, surfaced by well-tilled fields, dotted by numer- 
ous farmsteads, villages and hamlets, descending 
gradually toward the SCHELDT with the ancient 
roofs of AUDENARDE massed picturesquely upon 
the western banks of the river seven or eight miles 
away to the east. 

Objectives 

With SPITAALS BOSSCHEN and the hei-hts of 



_^ 9 1 ST DIVISION 473 

STUIVENBURGHE immediately beyond the wood- 
land stronghold as its first objective, the ridges about 
WAALEM and KLEIHOOK as the second, and the 
line of the SCHELDT as the third, making up the 
sum-total of the formidable task before it, the division 
begins preparations at once to play an important role 
in the general attack to be launched at daylight Oc- 
tober 31st. 

Enemy's Keypoint Position 

While the Germans are undoubtedly prepared to 
oflFer sharp resistance upon a succession of defensive 
lines between the Lys and the Scheldt, the forested 
ridge of SPITAALS BOSSCHEN, blazing with ma- 
chine guns, supported by artillery, fortified and render- 
ed almost impregnable to direct assault, is obviously 
the keypoint position upon which the enemy depends 
to check the Westerners in the initial phase of the 
impending attack. 

Plan of Attack 

Drawing upon recent experience in the solution of 
several similar tactical problems in the Meuse-Argonne 
Offensive, the division decides to attempt the conquest 
of the strongpoint with a swift encircling drive around 
the flanks by the 362nd Infantry on the right and the 
363rd Infantry on the left, while the 364th Infantry, 
with a frontal holding attack in the center, pins the 
enemy down to his positions until the battlelines, 
sweeping forward on the north and south, converge 
and meet upon a connected front beyond the woods 
to the east. 

Artillery Initiates Attack 

Smothering the enemy's machine-gun nests in the 
woods with a deluge of smoke bombs, blazing the way 
for their infantry comrades with a rolling barrage on 
both flanks of the stronghold with their 75 's (3-inch), 



476 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM 

and challenging the German batteries on the heights 
beyond with their heavy Howitzers (6-inch), the 
gunners of the 53rd Field Artillery Brigade initiate 
the attack at daylight October 3 1 st. 

Battleline Units Swing Into Action 

In the midst of the resulting tempest of fire the 
battleline units swing into action with an impetuosity 
of spirit that sweeps the attacking front and flanks of 
the division eastward over the hills in a forceful advance 
with scarcely a pause during the first few hours. While 
swift progress is thus made in the initial phase of the 
encircling maneuver* deadly and formidable resistance 
develops as the attacking lines assail the woodland 
stronghold of SPITAALS BOSSCHEN. Machine 
guns, surviving the bombardment in protected and 
concealed nests upon the edges of the woods and 
German field guns in distant battery positions, possess- 
ing the advantage of previously plotted barrage lines 
and target points, join together in a storm that soon 
rains down upon the attacking forces everywhere upon 
the battlefield. Reinforced by the supports and 
reserves, however, — by the 361st Infantry on the right 
and the 316th Engineers and 346th Machine Gun 
Battalion in the center, — and with the aid of platoons 
of 75 *s coming forward to "snipe" at point-blank range 
with open sights, the eastward movement gradually 
gathers renewed strength and impetus forcing the 
battlelines ahead in spite of the enemy's desperate 
opposition as the attacking units press resolutely on 
each to achieve its individual mission in the task 
confronting the division. 

Outflanking The Enemy 

While literally pinned down to their defenses in thei 
center by the frontal holding attack, the Germans are; 
soon outflanked upon one side and menaced by a ,| 



91st division 477 



similar fate overtaking them upon the other. Progress- 
ing steadily on the left during the morning, the West- 
erners of the 363rd Infantry in a final forceful drive 
envelop the stronghold on the north and sweep their 
battlelines several hundred yards beyond the woods 
on the east before halting to establish connection with 
the adjoining French division at noon. 

Overcoming Powerful Resistance 

Meeting with more powerful resistance, however, 
and held back by the necessity of maintaining touch 
with the neighboring French unit, the 363rd Infantry 
makes slower progress in the early stages of the encir- 
cling maneuver around the southern edges of the 
woods, but by heroic efforts during the afternoon, the 
regiment succeeds eventually in flanking the stronghold, 
carrying the right flank of the division eastward beyond 
towards evening. 

Fighting Through Underbrush, Trees, Trenches 

and Wire 

In the meantime, released from the stationary 
grueling conflict of the holding attack in the center as 
the flanking drives gain headway on the north and 
south, the 364th Infantry suddenly moves into an 
assault against the western defenses of the stronghold. 
Fighting forward through a jungle of underbrush, 
trees, trenches and wire during the afternoon, working 
skillfully around and conquering hidden machine-gun 
nests encountered here and there on the way, the 
regiment finally breaks through the eastern edges of the 
woods, connecting up the lines of the division upon 
a solid front by nightfall (October 31 st). Darkness 
settling over the battlefield thus finds the Westerners 
in possessK)n of the keypoint position of their first line 
of objectives with the heights of STUIVENBURGHE 
iooiriing up within striking distance before them. 



478 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM 



Enemy Retreats 

With his powerful stronghold wrested from him 
and his main line of resistance immediately east of the 
LYS broken, the enemy retreats during the night for 
a stand beyond the SCHELDT. 

Westerners in Pursuit 

Leaving Spitaals Bosschen behind them the Western- 
ers, scaling the heights of STUIVENBURGHE in 
the morning (November I st), sweep on in swift pursuit 
over ridges and hills, across fields and farms, through 
villages and hamlets, passing their second line of 
objectives about WAALEM and KLEIHOOK within 
a few hours, meeting with little resistance until, de- 
scending the long slopes toward the Scheldt in the 
early afternoon, the pursuing forces are swept into a 
hurricane of fire, from the German batteries upon the 
crests beyond the river, storming the city of AUDE- 
NARDE before them. 

Advancing Against Terrific Opposition 

In progressive operations carried on against terrific 
opposition during the afternoon, the western outskirts 
are seized and flanking units, working around the 
environs, reach the river on the north and south of 
AUDENARDE, but strong rear guard forces of the 
enemy, — protected from the storm of their own artillery 
by hastily improvised stone and concrete defenses 
commanding all the approaches, streets and river 
crossings with machine guns, — still hold the greater 
portion of the city at nightfall when the Westerners, 
withdrawing their advanced detachments, establihs 
their battlefront upon the crests of WORTEGEM 
three miles to the west, with a line of observation on 
the last ridge looking down upon the ancient Flemish 
city where Margaret of Parma was born and under 
whose walls the Armies of the Duke of Marlborough 



9 1st division 479 



and Prince Eugene of Savoy gained a decisive victory 
over the French in July, 1 708. 

Enemy Wreaks Havoc 

Lurid flames pierce the intense darkness and deto- 
nations reverberate through the nocturnal silences as 
the forces of destruction wreak havoc with roads and 
bridges in the valley below when the enemy retires 
across the river during the night. 

Our Battleliees Sweep Forward 

Resuming operations at daylight, the division makes 
a swift advance to the SCHELDT in the morning 
(November 2nd) sweeping its battielines around AU- 
DENARDE in a perfect gale of fire from the eastern 
heights of the river. With covering detachments of 
enemy machine gunners, left behind as sacrifices, still 
making a desperate defense, the city is stormed, 
captured and finally cleared of skulking Germans by 
a battalion of the 361st Infantry. 

Impossible to Cross River 

Reconnoitring parties scouring the river bank to 
the north and south find all the crossings destroyed. 
In spite of persistent and heroic efforts of infantrymen 
and engineers to construct bridges and pontoons under 
the blazing guns of the German batteries it proves 
impossible to span the stream in the sector of the 
division. 

Division Relieved 

While preparations are being made to effect a crossing 
elsewhere, the Westerners, holding AUDENARDE 
and the line of the SCHELDT for a mile or more on 
each flank against the enemy, are relieved on the night 
of November 3rd, retiring westward the next day for 
a period of rest in the vicinity of St. ELOI, on the 
Lys. 



480 OPERATIONS IN BELGIUM 

Achievement 

Wresting the stronghold of Spitaals Bosschen from 
the enemy, taking all their objectives in a swift advance 
from the Lys to the Scheldt, restoring thereby almost 
20 square miles of territory to the Belgians, and finally 
capturing the largest city (Audenarde), except Chateau 
Thierry, directly conquered by American troops in the 
war, with 41 prisoners, 2 pieces of artillery and 26 ma- 
chine guns to their credit besides, the Westerners have 
added great distinction to a notable record of battle 
achievement. 

Casualties 

In the four days of operations in Flanders the division 
has sustained a loss of 14 officers and 215 men killed, 
40 officers and 565 men wounded, and 9 men tempora- 
rily missing. 

Enemy Begins General Withdrawal 

Meanwhile, events move to a sudden and dramatic 
finale upon the battlefront of the French Army in 
Belgium. In the midst of preparations for a swift 
drive to the DENDRE river, fifteen or sixteen miles 
away, the enemy, realizing his impending doom, 
maintaining only a pretense of defense, begins a 
general withdrawal to the east to avoid the inevitable 
catastrophe of a disastrous battlefield defeat as the 
tragic drama of the World War draws toward its closing 
scenes m Flanders Fields. 

91st Division Recalled to Battle 

With a gradually diminishing volume of fire from the 
eastern heights as heavy German guns are sent rear- 
ward in flight, leaving the defense of the river line to 
the more mobile lighter artillery and machine guns, 
the barrier of the SCHELDT is broken by the French 
forces and, with the enemy retiring in an eastward 



9 1st division 481 



retreat upon the whole front, the 91st Division, chosen 
for a post of honor in the advance guard of the pursuit, 
is recalled to participate in the final operations of the 
Belgian campaign after only four days of rest in the 
reserve. 

Establishing Their Battlelines 

Rushing forward over the familiar battleground of 
their sector between the LYS and the SCHELDT, 
reaching AUDENARDE and EYNE in the afternoon 
of November 9th, the Westerners are ordered to 
overtake and relieve two French divisions (12th and 
41st) already sweeping eastward upon the enemy's 
heels. With the 363rd and 364th Infantry in the lead, 
the division makes a quick crossing of the SCHELDT 
and in a swift advance of five miles beyond the river, 
replacing the French units as they gain upon them en 
route, the Westerners complete their moving relief 
of their tired "Poilu" comrades during the night, 
establishing their lines upon a front between BOUCLE- 
ST. BLAISE and BONTVELDE, with delaying 
jdetachments of enemy machine gunners resisting 
upon the heights of ROOSEBEKE before them in 
the fast waning hours of armistice eve. 

After Being Held Back, Orders Received 
to Attack 

Reinforced by light batteries of the divisional artil- 
lery, rushed over bridges hastily thrown across the 
SCHELDT at AUDENARDE by the 316th Engineers 
during the night, daylight of November 1 1 th finds the 
"Doughboys" of the Far West preparing to hurl the 
Germans from their path. Superior military com- 
mand, however, holds them back as the forward 
movement is delayed during the fleeting hours of morn- 
ing, when orders are received to attack at 10 o'clock. 

31 



482 CURTAIN DESCENDS UPON LAST ACT 



Hour of Fate Strikes For Hun in Belgium 

With but an hour of the War remaining in which to 
strike their last blow at the invaders, the Westerners 
spring into action with an advance which is sweeping 
up toward the crests of ROOSEBEKE RIDGE, 
when 1 1 o'clock strikes the Hour of Fate for the Hun 
in Belgium, with American soldiers, by paradoxical 
circumstance, battling amidst the historical settings 
of picturesque and ancient towns in the **Cockpit of 
Europe'*, where the French, English, Spanish, Aus- 
trians and Dutch for centuries fought one another in 
wars whose histories record the deeds of such famous 
figures of romance as William the Silent, the Duke of 
Alva, Alexander Farnese, Turenne, Conde, the Duke 
of Marlborough, Prince Eugene of Savoy, Vendome 
andVilleroi. 



CURTAIN DESCENDS UPON LAST ACT 



THE GREAT DRAMA 

With our divisions holding trench lines in the Vosges 
Mountains, hammering the Kaiser's legions west of 
the Moselle, pursuing the Huns in retreat east of the 
Meuse, knocking at the gates of Sedan, cracking the 
Hindenburg Line on the Scheldt Canal, and driving 
the invading Hordes of Atilla from Belgium, American 
soldiers are fighting the battle of Civilization from 
one end to the other of the far-flung Western Front 
as the curtain descends upon the last act of the Great 
Drama of the World War. 



483 



When the hour of the Armistice struck on November 
II, 1918, heralded by peans of victory and rejoicing 
throughout the Allied world, and strife ceased all along 
the Western Front from Switzerland to the Sea, with 
the Hun, demoralized and broken, skulking towards 
the Rhine in defeat before the victorious Allies, the 
death-knell of German militarism was sounded. 

Victory had come at last ! The war was won ! 
However, neither by France, nor England, nor Belgium 
nor Italy, nor the United States, but hy the Allies. In 
the united effort crowned by victory each nation played 
its part. 

Belgium, as the first outpost of Civilization to be 
assayed, delayed the invader, only to be overwhelmed 
by Hun hordes, ravaged, devastated, and subjected to 
years o. cruel slavery. 

Italy, within and beyond her borders, fought the 
enemy from the snow-clad peaks of the Alps down to 
the banks of the Piave, striking there a mortal blow to 
Austrian arms. 

England, with her First Hundred^ Thousand thrown 
into the breach as an advance guard of the millions 
that followed to Flanders Fields, carried on heroically 
throughout the years of strife, while her Navy stood 
upon watch for the world until Liberty and Justice 
triumphed. 

France, with the moral courage of the nation, sub- 
lime amidst suffering, privation and death among her 
people and the devastation of their homes, sacrificed 
millions of her sons in battle and stood up through 
years of valiant defense until the enemy was driven in 



484 EPILOGUE 



defeat from her sacred soil consecrated by the blood of | 
her heroic dead. 

In the victory to which each nation contributed its 
all it was, however, America that played the deciding 
part at that crucial moment in Allied fortunes when 
the balance of the wavering scales of war inclined 
in favor of the enemy. France and England were 
virtually exhausted, with Hun victory as the dark pre- 
sage of the near future without immediate and decisive 
aid. When America, young as a nation, with the 
strength, vigor and enthusiasm of youth as yet untouch- = 
ed by war, entered the World Conflict and threw 
her sword into the scales, the balance swung in favor 
of the Allies ! American youths with high hope, 
courage, and the faith of the Crusaders in their hearts, 
came pouring into France until they numbered mil- 
lions and fought beside their Allied brothers-in-arms 
until the enemy was crushed. It was by this timely 
contribution of her young manhood and powerful 
resources that America turned the scales of war. 

With the greatest military pageant the world has | 
ever known passing victoriously, with battle flags 
unfurled, under the Arch of Triumph, that splendid 
monument which the Great Napoleon built to commem- 
orate his victories, France celebrated the victory of 
the Allies on July 14, 1919. For this march of the 
Allied troops m triumph over Germany, France had 
struck from the classic Arch chains barring the way 
since 1871, — chains which the populace of Paris had 
stretched across the Arch overnight lest the conquering 
Huns of that day profane the sacred memorial of Napo- 
leon by passing beneath its dome. 

Possibly the Great Emperor in spirit watched the, 
march of tiuii aiodern Army of Destiny which had 




General Pershing and Staff 




American Soldiers Passing Victoriouslv Under 
The Arch of Triumph. July 14.'l919. 




America Victorious, With Battle Flags Unfurled, Marching Under the 
Arch of Triumph, July 14, 1919, 



EPILOGUE 485 



redeemed the soul of France and saved the woi 
MilHons watched with him, but who among them, 
through their tears and smiles, realized that Hun 
hordes, instead of the legions of the ALies, might have 
struck those chains from the Arch to march victorious 
down the great Avenue des Champs Elysees had not 
America thrown her sword into the scales of war P 

In the following words General Pershing modestly 
summed up the achievements of American soldiers on 
the battlefields : 

**In defense no American Division 
lost ground intrusted to it except locally, 
and then only for a few hours, and no 
American Division failed in attack." 

Germany's judgment was given by a high officer 
of the German General Staff as follows : 

"It was the attack of the American 
troops west of the Meuse that, with the 
impetuosity which the German General 
Staff had not believed possible for them 
upon so short a period of training, gained 
the decision for the Allies and brought 
about the ruin of the German Army." 

Marshal Foch, in a speech at the banquet of the 
25th Anniversary of the American Chamber of Com- 
merce of France, July 4th, 1919, pronounced the fol- 
lowing eulogy upon our soldiers : 

"I drink to the health of the American 
military forces which have brought us 
victory and peace. It is with a profound 
appreciation of the fighting qualities of 
these idealists that I speak as I do. The 
war is over ! The soldiers will again 
become artisans and tillers of the soil ; 



486 EPILOGUE 



but the ideals for which they fought, — 
Liberty and Justice, — will forever be 
theirs, and there will be none who will 
dare to wrest these from them". 

With these words as his verdict upon America's 
part in the World War, the great Allied Commander- 
in-Chief fixed the place of American troops in history. 

With the story of their valor and achievement upon 
the field of battle toid, with the whole moving drama 
in which they played so decisive and noble a part before 
our eyes, it needs must evoke within the heart of every 
American feelings of pride and thankfulness for the 
heritage of immortal glory bequeathed for all time by 
our soldiers unto us, their countrymen. 



487 

APPENDIX 

WHERE THE AMERICANS FOUGHT 
IN FRANCE AND BELGIUM 

There are six general areas or regions in which the 
American troops fought in France and Belgium : — 
Vosges area. 



Belgian area. 
Amiens — Montdidier—St. Quentin region. 
Chateau Thierry — ^Soissons — Vesle region. 
Nancy — Toul — St, Mihiel region. 
Meuse-Argonne — Champagne region. 



Vosges Area 

Although in the Vosges area (that is, the region of Lune- 
ville, Baccarat, St. Die, Gerardmer, Thann, and Belfort) 
there were raids and some lively encounters with the 
enemy, the Americans, with possibly one or two excep- 
tions, made no attacks of any importance. 

This area was really the big training school, the "Quiet 
Sector" region, to which American troops, before being 
assigned to so-called "Active Sectors", were usually sent 
for a few weeks from the training centers in rear, to obtain 
experience in encounters with the enemy by patrolling in 
"No Man's Land", and making minor raids ; to become 
accustomed to artillery and other fire ; to familiarize 
themselves with the routine of trench warfare and to 
develop the offensive spirit. 

Belgian Area 

(See Map No. 5 in pocket at back of book) 

In October and November, 1918, the 37th American 
Division (National Guard of Ohio; Maj. Gen. C.S. Farns- 
worth, Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding), 
and the 91st Division (National Army troops from Alaska, 
Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, 



488 WHERE AMERICANS FOUGHT 

Wyoming, and Utah; Maj. Gen. Wm.H. Johnston, Regu- 
lar Army, of Ohio, commanding), operated in Belgium, 
to the southwest of Ghent (Gand). 

During the months of July, August, and September, 
1918, the 27th American Division (National Guard troops 
of New York ; Maj. Gen. John F. O'R^^an, commanding), 
and the 30th American Division (National Guard troops 
of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee ; Brig. 
Gen. Samson L. Faison, Regular Army, of North Carolina, 
and later Maj. Gen. Edward M. Lewis, Regular Army, 
of Indiana, commanding) operated with the British in the 
region of Ypres. 

The tourist can stop at Lille (about 130 miles from 
Paris by rail), and visit the battlefield by local rail or other 
transportation. Hotels of Lille : Grand Hotel Bellevue, 
Grande Place and Rue Jean Roisin ; Hotel de I'Europe, 
30-32, Rue Basse ; Royal Hotel and Restaurant, 2, Bou- 
levard Carnot ; Hotel de la Paix, Rue de Paris ; Hotel 
Moderne, Parvis Saint-Maurice ; Hotel de Lyon, Place de 
la Gare ; Hotel de I'Univers, 19, Place des Regniaux; 
Hotel des Regniaux, 17-21, Place des Regniaux. 

Amiens — Montdidier — St. Quentin Region 

(See Map No. 4 in pocket at hack of book) 

In April, May, and June, 1918, the 1st American Divi- 
sion (Regular troops ; Maj. Gen. Robert L. Bullard» of 
Alabama, commanding), operated in the Amiens — Mont- 
didier region. The battle of Cantigny, three or four miles 
northwest of Montdidier, May 28, was the first fight in 
v/hich an American division fought as a divisional unit, 
and the capture of Cantigny flashed electrically across the 
Allied world as a long-hoped-for presage of the enemy's 
doom. (See pages 3-9 ; 30.) 

Considerable fighting was done in October and Nov- 
ember, 1918, north and northeast of St. Quentin (83 miles 
northeast of Paris), by the 27th American Division (Na- 
tional Guard troops of New York ; Maj. Gen. John F. 
O'Ryan, commanding), and the 30th American Division 
(National Guard troops of North Carolina, South Carolina, 



WHERE AMERICANS FOUGHT 489 

and Tennessee ; Maj. Gen. Edward M. Lewis, Regular 
Army, of Indiana, commanding.) 

During July and August, 1918, the 33rd Division 
(Illinois National Guard troops ; Maj. Gen. George Bell, 
Jr., Regular Army, of the District of Columbia, command- 
ing) operated in the Amiens Sector with the Australians. 

Chateau Thierry — Soissons — Vesle Region 

(See Map No. 1 in pocket at hack of hook) 
It was in this region, beginning the last day of May, 
1918, in and around Chateau Thierry, that the 2nd and 
3rd American Divisions, including two regiments of 
Marines, were rushed to the battlelines to help stop the 
Hun hordes in their drive for Paris. From that time, 
for several months, American troops operating in this area 
translated deeds of bravery, intrepidity, and military 
achievement into imperishable pages of history. The 
divisions involved were : 

1st Division : Regular troops, — Maj, Gen. Charles P. Summerall, of 
Florida, commanding. 

2nd Division : Regular troops, — Maj. Gen. Omar Bundy, Regular 
Army, of Texas, and later Maj. Gen. James G. Harbord, Regular 
Army, of Illinois, commanding. 

3rd Division : Regular troops, — Maj. Gen. Joseph T. Dickman, 
Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding. 

4th Division : Regular troops, — Maj. Gen. George H. Cameron, 
Regular Army, of Illinois, commanding. 

26th Division : National Guard troops of Massachusetts, Connec- 
ticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island, — Maj. 
Gen. Clarence R. Edwards, Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding. 

28th Division : National Guard troops of Pennsylvania, — Maj. Gen. 
Charles H. Muir, Regular Army, of Michigan, commanding. 

32nd Division : National Guard troops of Michigan and Wisconsin, 
— Maj. Gen. Wm. G. Haan, Regular Army, of Indiana, com- 
manding. 

42nd Division : National Guard troops of District of Columbia, and 
26 States, — ^Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, IlHnois, Iowa, 
Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, 
Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, 
Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, 
Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin,— -Moj. Gen. Charles T. Menoher, 
Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding. 



490 WHERE AMERICANS FOUGHT 

77th Division : National Army troops of New York City,-~Mai. Gen. 
George B. Duncan, Regular Army, of Kentucky, and later Brig 
Gen. Evan M. Johnson, of New York, commanding. 

(Seepages 9-151.) 



rdaecy^ — lom — oi. Mimei Kegion 

(See Map No 2 in pocket at back of book) 
The first American encounter of any consequence in 
this region was the fight at Seicheprey, April 20th, 1918, 
of the 26th Division. (National Guard troops of Massa- 
chusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, 
and Rhode Island, — Maj. Gen. Clarence R. Edwards, 
Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding.) (See page 2.) 

In this region the sectors were generally quite active, and 
the various American divisions assigned there from time 
to time for duty had lively experiences in trencn warfare. 
The most important operation that took place in this 
area was the reduction of the St. Mihiel Salient, September 
12th- 15th, 1918 (see pages 152-210), in which the follow- 
ing divisions participated : 
1st Division : Regular troops, — Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summerall, 

Regular Army, of Florida, commanding. 
2nd Division : Regular troops and two regiments of Marines, — Maj. 

Gen. John A. Lejeune, Marine Corps, of Louisiana, commanding. 
4th Division : Regular troops, — Maj. Gen. John L. Hines, Regular 

Army, of West Virginia, commanding. 
5th Division : Regular troops,— Maj. Gen. John E. McMahon, 

Regular Army, of New York, commanding. 
26th Division: National Guard troops of Massachusetts, Connecticut, 

Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island, — Maj. Gen. 

Clarence R. Edwards, Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding. 
42nd Division : National Guard troops of District of Columbia, and 

26 States, — Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, 

Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, 

Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, 

Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, 

Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, — Maj. Gen. Charles T. Menoher, 

Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding. 
82nd Division : National Army troops of Alabama, Georgia, and 

Tennessee, — Maj. Gen. Wm. P. Burnham, Regular Army, of 

Pennsylvania, commanding. 
89th Division : National Army troops of Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, 



WHERE AMERICA NS FOUGHT ^!._ 

Arizona, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Nebraska — Maj. Gen. 

Wm. M. Wright, Regular Army, of New Jersey, commanding. 
90th Division : National Army troops of Texas and Oklahoma, — 

Maj. Gen. Henry T. Allen, Regular Army, of Kentucky, com- 
manding. 
Another operation of major importance in this region 
waithe advance of the 2nd Army, November 9th- 11th, 
191*, which was stopped by the armistice. (See pages 427- 
437.) The divisions engaged were : 
7th Division : Regular troops, — Maj. Gen. Edmund Wittenmeyer, 

Regular Army, of Ohio, commanding. 
28th Division : National Guard troops of Pennsylvania, — Maj. Gen. 

Wm. H. Hay, Regular Army, of Florida, commanding. 
33rd Division: National Guard troops of Illinois, — Maj. Gen. George 

Bell, Jr., Regular Army, of the District of Columbia, commanding. 
92nd Division : National Army troops (colored), from various States 

throughout the Union, — Maj. Gen. Charles C. Ballou, Regular 
, Army, of Illinois, commanding. 

Meuse-Argonne — Champagne Region 

In July, 1918, on the Champagne Front* the 42nd Divi- 
sion did some hard fighting under French conrimand. 
(National Guard troops of the District of Columbia, and 
26 States, — Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illi- 
nois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michi- 
gan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New 
York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsyl- 
vania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wis- 
consin,— Maj. Gen. Charles T. Menoher, Regular Army, 
of Pennsylvania, commanding.) (See pages 60-63.) 

America's greatest battle was fought in the Meuse- 
Argonne Sector, September 26th — November 11th, 1918. 
For troops engaged, see pages 222-226, and for description 
of the operations, see pages 21 1-414. (See Map No. 3 in 
pocket, at back of book.) 

Simultaneously with the ^ Meuse-Argonne Oifensive, 
the following American divisions were operating with the 
French in the Champagne, some 20 miles east of Reims, 
in the region of Somme-Py : — 

'^ * The Champagne Front extended from Reims eastward to the 
Argonne Forest. 



492 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIE LDS 

2ncl Division : Regular troops, including two regiments of Marines, 
— Maj. Gen, John A. Lejeune. Marine Corps, of Louisiana, com- 
manding. 

36th Division : National Guard troops of Texas and Oklahoma, — Maj. 
Gen. Wm. R. Smith, Regular Army, of Tennessee, commanding. 

PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 
War Has Passed From the Stage ^ 

Disappointment is bound to be the share of the pilgrim 
v^ho expects to glimpse with the physical eye living ele- 
ments of war upon the battlefields. For war has passed 
from the stage, leaving behind only its cold ashes and dead 
memories. 

Previous Study and Use of Imagination Necessary 

Without an appreciation of historical environments and 
surroundings, it will be difficult to envision the moving 
drama of war in crumbling trenches, caved-in dugouts, 
grass-grown shell-holes, shattered trees, and other silent 
evidences of conflict upon the battlefields, along roads and 
by-paths, in ruined towns, villages, and hamlets. Hence, 
the pilgrim must approach scenes of conflict with mind 
fortified and imagination quickened through study in 
order to visualize what took place amidst the din and roar 
of battle when charging legions, bayonets flashing, met 
in deadly combat. 

Story Told By Trenches, Shell-Holes, and Dugouts 

With mind and imagination properly attuned to the 
drama of war you may visualize all the moving elements 
of conflict. Going over the battlefields, when you look 
at trenches you may in fancy see their vanished occupants 
repulsing an attack or going "Over the top' ; peering into 
dugouts you may behold reserves snatching a few hours* 
respite from strife ; passing around shell-holes, now over- 
grown with grass, you may fancy the earth flying into the 
air with the fragments of exploding shells before your eyes ; 
gazing into the sky, you may observe balloons in flames 
falling to the ground or aeroplanes in conflict over the 
battlelines or dropping bombs and showering machine 



PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 493 

gun bullets upon the combatants below ; seeing gnarled 
and twisted specters of trees you may envision, amid 
flashes of bursting shells, boughs and branches hurtling 
into space ; travelling along roads and by-paths you may 
imagine the picture of troops marching toward the battle- 
lines, guns of the artillery, large and small, maneuvering into 
positions, trains of ammunition and supplies moving toward 
the front, ambulances bringing back their loads of woun- 
ded, and refugees fleeing to the rear from devastated homes. 

Tragedies of Demolished Towns and Villages 

When you behold a demolished town, village or hamlet 
and pass through its deserted streets, with its environs of 
ruin that make of it a cemetery of murdered homes, bring 
back to life, for the moment, those who once lived and had 
their being there. For these homes have their stories to 
tell, their tragedies, perhaps, to unfold ; stories of the loss 
of all earthly possessions, of the separation of families, of 
suffering, privation and death. Ruins may cover the 
bodies of those whom once they sheltered or of soldiers 
who later lived and fought in them. Death for others may 
still lurk in these ruins in the form of unexploded shells. 

Silent Eloquence of Graves 

Graves dotting the battlefields, lying along roads and 
by-paths or in orderly array in cemeteries, all speak in 
silent eloquence of the supreme sacrifice of the heroic 
dead. 

Nature Conceals Ravages of War 

In the wake of conflict, Nature, seeking to conceal the 
ravages of war, has covered the battlefields with a mantle 
of grass and flowers. In friendly unison scarlet poppies 
and blue cornflowers* nod together in the same breeze, 
symbolizing the mingling of the blood of friend and foe 
in the same soil. 

Spirit In Which Battlefields Should Be Visited 

It is in a spirit of reverence, not curiosity, that the 
visitor should approach the battlefields to visit the scenes 

* Favorite flower of the Kaiiieir. 



494 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

of one of the greatest tragedies in the history of mankind, — 
scenes of sacriliees made and sufferings endured not only 
by the hosts that fought and died there, but also by the 
civilian population, — old men, helpless women and little 
children whom the ravages of war engulfed. Let him 
remember that he is going into an atmosphere of holiness 
pervaded by the spirits of the heroic dead. Let him 
approach the battlefields, therefore, in the same reverential 
attitude that he would enter a place of worship. 



DEATH STILL LURKS UPON THE BATTLE- 
FIELDS in the form ©f uisexploded shells, hand 
and rifle grenades, cartridges, fiises, and ©ther 
war mumtions. Visitors have already been 
killed and wounded through accidental contact 
with or deliberate handling of harmless-looking 
articles picked up on the battlefields. Let 
caution and discretion overcome carelessness 
and curiosity or a desire for close inspection of 
articles of whose character you are ignorant, — 
THEY MAY BE DEADLY : Do not touch with 

hand or foot. Warn others and stop them if they 

attempt it. BEWARE OF SHELLS, GRENADES, 
CARTRIDGES, FUSES, etc... 

Suggestions 

1 . Always reserve by telegraph or otherwise sleeping 
accommodations in the places where you expect to 
stop over night. 

2 . Take along a rain coat, umbrella, soft hat and heavy 
shoes ; also, a few candles for use in exploring 
dugouts and caves. (Candles are preferable to 
flash-lights for this purpose.) 

3. It "is also desirable to carry along field glasses and 
a compass. 



PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 495 

Time Necessary to See the Battlefields 

From one day to one month may be spent seeing the 
American battlefields, depending upon the care and thor- 
oughness with which the pilgrim desires to go over the 
ground. 

How to Reach the Battlefields 

While some of the battlefields may be visited in going 
by rail from Paris to a city or town having hotel accommo- 
dations not far from the field, and then using local trans- 
portation, the most satisfactory way is to make the whole 
journey by automobile from Paris. 

By Aeroplane 

The trip may also be made by aeroplane. In such a 
trip you will see spread out before you in kaleidoscopic 
review en route the wonderful panorama of France over 
which Hun hordes came sweeping in their bid for Paris 
and over which they were swept back again in final defeat ,* 
you will see unfolded before your downward gaze the 
fields on which American soldiers and their Allies fought 
and won the fight for Civilization, and you will, perhaps, 
be able to visualize for yourself how our Knights of the 
Air sailed back and forth over the battlelines with shells 
breaking about them or enemy aeroplanes assailing them 
in aerial combat. 

Arranging for Trips to Battlefields 

Before arranging for transportation to the battlefields, 
see page 590. 

Itineraries Suggested 

It would, of course, involve considerable expense and 
inconvenience and consume more time than the average 
person can spare to visit all the places in France and 
Belgium where American troops fought. For the purpose, 
therefore, of facilitating pilgrimages to American battle-- 
fields in private cars, trips have been prepared in the 
itineraries given on the pages that follow, covering points 
only^of greatest interest. 



496 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

TRIP No. 1 

(1 day) 

CHATEAU THIERRY 

(Road Map : Taride No. 3, — obtainable from Souvenir Shop, 
1 1 , Rue de Castiglione, Paris.) 
(Note. The first number in parentheses above the name of a place 
shows the distance, in kilometers, between that place and the one imme- 
diately preceding, and the second number indicates the distance of the 
place from Paris. For example, VILLEPARISIS is 17 kilometers from 
PANTIN and 24 from PARIS. Kilometers may be converted into 
miles (approximately) by multiplying by .6, — six tenths.) 
PARIS * From La Place de I'Opera, take Rue HaUvy (to right of Opera 
House as you face it) to Rue Lafayette, turning to right and continu- 
ing straight ahead through Rue Jean Jauris (which is a continu- 
ation of Rue Lafayette) to Porte de Pantin, through which you 
leave Paris. Continue straight ahead to — 
(7) 
PANTIN : Continue straight ahead to— 

(17-24) 
VILLEPARISIS : Continue straight ahead to— 

(7-31) 
CLAYE : The nearest point to Paris reached by the Germans in 1914. 
German patrols entered the town, but were soon driven b^ck. 
The American Army had a big remount depot in Claye during 
the war. It was equipped with the most modern appliances for 
the treatment of disease and the performance of operations on 
horses and mules. 
(14-45) 
MEAUX : Population before the war, 1 4,000. Some German patrols 
operating on the right flank of the main- army that was pursuing 
the retreating French and British Armies, passed through the town 
in August, 1914. A few shells fell in the place, but did no 
material damage. In their retreat through the town the British 
blew up the Market bridge over the Marne. As you pass through 
Meaux you will notice that all the heads have been knocked off 
the statues on the side of the church. However, this was not 
done by the Hun, but by the populace during the French Revo- 
lution. Hotels : Hotel de la Sirene, on the main street, 34, Rue 
St. Nicolas ; Hotel du Due d'Aquitaine, No. 81 on the same 



* If the trip to Chateau Thierry is to be made by rail, take the train 
at the Gare de I'Est. Time : About 1 1/4 or 1/2 hours, depending 
OB train. 



^^ TRIP NO. I 497 

street ; Hotel Saint-Remy, Rue Saint-Remy ; Hotel de la Gare, 
Place Lafayette. Garase : Central, 1 9, Rue du Grand Cerf . 
(5-50) 

TRILPORT : Just before entering the village we cross the Marne, 
a name made famous by the immortal Jpffre, when, in Sept- 
ember, 1914, he drove back in defeat from its banks the 
advancing Hun legions. The right flank of the German arm.y, 
skirting along the eastern bank of the river, passed through 
Trilport m its advance toward Paris. The road and the railroad 
bridges were destroyed by the British as they passed through 
the town in their retreat from Mons in August, 1914. The 
parts of the bridges which were later repaired by the French can 
be seen from the road and from the railroad. 
(13-63) 

LA FERTE-sous-JOUARRE : (Headquarters of the First American 
Corps, which was organized in January 1918, were here. Hotels : 
Hotel de I'Epee. 22, Rue du Faubourg, is recommended.) 
Upon reaching the first cross-road in the town, turn to the left, 
* continuing along Rue de Conde about 900 yards, as far as Rue 
du Faubourg; turn to left on this street, crossing the Marne 
300 yards ahead ; turn to right on main road, continuing to— 
(10-73) 

MONTREUIL-aux-LIONS : In the H6tel-de-Vil!e (city hall) were 
established the headquarters of the Second Division (9th and 
23rd U.S. Infantry, and 5th and 6th Marines) during the lighting 
around Chateau Thierry. (See page 1 1 .) After passing the 
cross-roads at LA FERME de PARIS, about five kilometers 
from MONTREUIL-aux-LIONS, turn to the left at the next 
cross-roads, about two kilometers farther on, and proceed 
to— 
(8-81) 

LUCY-le-BOCAGE : Headquarters of the 6th Regiment of Marines 
were in this village for a time. The Supply and Ammunition 
Dumps of the Regiment were also located here. It was along 
the line from Lucy to Champillon that the Marines first met the 
Germans on June 2nd, 1918. By June 4th the few French troops 
that had been holding the line in front of our men while we were 
getting into position, fell back through our lines near Lucy. 
(See page 32.) 

Continue on road north toward Torcy. Before reaching the 
village, turn to the right and proceed east about 500 yards on 

32 



PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 



; the road to Bouresches. On the right of the road, thr<« or four 

hundred yards south of the village of Belleau, is — 
\ (4-85) 

^ BELLEAU CEMETERY : This "Field of Honor" contains the 
graves of about 2,300 American soldiers killed in this vicinitjr. 

BELLEAU WOODS : Directly above the cemetery and to the south, 
is the northern limit of Belleau Woods, now officially named 
the Bois de la Brigade des Marines", in honor of the achieve- 
ments of the two Marine regiments forming part of the Second 
Division. Thickly timbered, and of rugged rocky formation, 
the great difficulty encountered by the Marines in the capture 
of this wood is apparent to the observer. It is suggested that 
a walk be taken through Belleau Woods, starting just above the 
cemetery. The demolished building which you will soon reach, 
was the Forester's house before the war. During the fighting 
it was used as a German machine gun emplacement. See illus- 
tration facing page ^. (See pages 31-37.) 

(3-88) 

BOURESCHES : Captured by the Marines on June 6. 1918, hit the 
railroad station, which had been turned into a fortress and neavily 
armed with machine guns, was held by the Germans until July 1 8 
when it was taken by the 26th Division in the big counter-offen- 
sive begun on that day. (See pages 29 ; 30 ; 33-36 ; 95.) 
(4-92) 

VAUX : This village, located on the Metz-Paris road, is an excel- 
lent specimen of demolition, nearly all of which, however, was 
done by American artillery when the village was occupied by the 
Germans. After a destructive artillery bombardment lasting from 
8 ajtn. to 6 p.m., July 1st, 1918, the village, which the Germans 
had converted into a veritable little fortress, was captured by 
the Americans. (See pages 37-39.) 
(5-97) 

CHATEAU THIERRY : Population before the war. 7,100. The 
Mame River flows through the town. By the flight of steps 
near the H6te!-de-ViIle (city hall), ascend to the site of the old 
chateau, built by Charles Martel in 720, and besieged on various 
occasions. From this position an excellent panoramic view is 
gotten of the town and surrounding country, including Hill 204, 
which commands the town and surrounding country. The 
destruction in Chateau Thierry was not great, but nearly every 
piece of furniture in the part of the town occupied by the Ger- 
mans (that ii, the part on the northern bank of the Mame) was 
either rennoved or destroyed. The church was used by the 



_ _____ TRl^ NO. 1 499 

Germans as a sort of warehouse for the articles of furniture, 
clothing, silver and copper which they had stolen from the houses 
and stores in the town. (See pages 13-18.) Hotels : Hotel 
du Cygne, 5, Rue des Filoirs ; Hotel Jean de la Fontaine, 54, Rue 
G^n^ral Degouttes (formerly Grande Rue) ; Restaurant Topsy 
(also hotel, but rooms will probably not be ready until the 
early fall of 1920), 18, Avenue de la Republique; Hotel de la 
Gare, near railroad station ; Les Violettes (restaurant only), corner 
Rue du College and Rue Camot. Garages : BertoUo, 57, Rue 
Carnot ; Dalot, 29, Avenue du Marechal Foch ; De Neuville, 
Palis Saint-Martin : Pecheux, 18, Avenue du Marechal Foch. 

NOTES 

1 . A visit to the Big Bertha Emplacement near Bezu St. Germain 
makes an interesting side trip from Chateau Thierry. Take the main 
road to Soissons, and about 8 kilometers out, turn to right on road to 
Bezu St. Germain, indicated by sign, — proceeding almost due north, 
cross the railroad track about a kilometer and a half out of St. Germain. 
Continue straight ahead, with the railroad on your right, for a kilometer 
and a half, to the Big Bertha Ernplacement, located on the left side of 
the road, 30 or 40 yards in the woods (Bois du Chatelet.) The emplace- 
ment which is about 40 miles from Paris in a direct line, was never 
used, the Germans having been driven out in July, 1918, before they 
ihad had time to mount the gun. The Big Bertha that fired on Paris 
was in the Forest of Coucy, not far from St. Gobain, and about 70 miles 
I northeast of Paris. 

(NOTE. // has been reported that the French Government was going 
to move tht platform arid all other parts oj the Big Bertha Emplace- 
ment to Camp Mailly, just outside of Paris. It is, therefore, suggested 
that before visiting the site, inquiries be made oi to whether the emplace- 
ment has been removed.) 

2. The grave of Lieut. Quentin Roosevelt, who was buried by the 
foemen on the spot where his aeroplane was downed by a German 
aviator, July 14th, 1918, is a kilometer or two outside of the village of 
Chamery, 30 kilometers northeast of Chateau Thierry, and which may 
be reached via Gland, Charteves, Jaulgonne, Le Charmel, Courmont, 
and Cierges. (See, Chamery", Trip No. 3, page 506.) 

(3-100) 
ESSOMES : (The trip down the valley of the Marne from Chateau 
Thierry to La Fert^-sous-Jouarre is most attractive, the scenery 
being picturesque and varied.) 

(8-108) 

ROMENY: 



500 ^ PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS ^ 

(4-113). 
CHARLY : 

(14-127) 
LA FERTE-sous- JOUARRE : The route from La Ferte-sous-Jouarre 
to Paris is the same as that travelled on the trip out. Or, if change 
of scenery is desired, the journey from Meaux to Paris may be 
made as follows, the country being prettier and the road better : 
Quincy, Couilly, St, Germain, Chessy, Lagny, Torcy, Champs, 
Noisy-le-Grand, Bry-sur-Marne, Nogent, Vincennes. The dis- 
tance from Meaux to Paris this way is about 50 kilometers, as 
against 45 the other way. 
(63-190) 
PARIS : 

TRIP No. 2 

(1 or 2 days) 

CHATEAU THIERRY-SOISSONS-CHEMIN DES DAMES 

(Road Map : Taride No. 3 ; obtainable from SouvENiR Shop, 
11, Rue de CastigUone, Paris.) 

(Note 1 . In summer the trip can be made in one day by leaving Paris 

early in the morning and returning late in the evening, but it is a long 

trip for one day, and if time allows, two days should be taken, spending 

the night in Soissons J 

{Note 2. For the meaning of the numbers in parentheses ^ above th& 

names of places, see Note, Trip No. 1, page 496.) 

PARIS : Same as Trip No. 1, page 496, as far as-=~ 

(97) 
CHATEAU THIERRY : See "Chateau Thierry", Trip No. 1 , page 498. 
Take the main road to Soissons, and after going 8 kilometers, 
turn to right on road, indicated by sign, to — 
(NOTE. It has been reported that the French Government was going 
to move the platform and all other parts of the Big Bertha Emplacement 
to Camp Mailly, just outside of Paris. It is, therefore, suggested that 
before visiting the site, inquiries be made as to whether the emplacement 
has been moved. If it has been, then proceed from Chateau Thierry 
to Rocourt direct.) 

(9-106) 
BEZU-ST. GERMAIN : Continue straight ahead, crossing the 
railroad track about a kilometer and a half out, continuing with 
the railroad on your right, for a kilometer and a half, to — 
(3.109) 
BIG BERTHA EMPLACEMENT : Located on the left side of the 
road, 30 or 40 yards in the woods (Bols du Chatelet). The 
emplacement, which is about 40 miles from Paris in a direct line, 



TRIP NO. 2 501 

was never used, the Germans having been driven out in July 
1918, before they had had time to mount the gun. The Big 
Bertha that fired on Paris was in the Forest of Coucy, not far 
from St. Gobain, and about 70 miles northeast of Paris. Return 
to the Chateau Thierry-Soissons highway, via Bezu St. Ger- 
main, to — 

(10-119) 
ROCOURT J 

(8-127) 
0ULCHY4e-CHATEAU : 

(7-134) 
HARTENNES-et-TAUX : When about ten kilometers beyond, one sees 
in the distance, to the left, a high hill, commanding the valley of 
the Crise river below. This is Berzy-le-Sec, captured July 21st, 
1918, after savage fighting, by the 1st American Division. (See 
pages 81-83.) 
(12-146) 
SOISSONS : Occupied by the Germans for a week or so in September, 
1914 ; then by the French until the Spring of 1918, when they 
were driven out by the enemy, who in turn withdrew from the 
city in August, 1918, as a refult of the French- American oper- 
ations against the Marne Salient. Hotels : Hotel du Lion 
Rouge, 1 , Rue de la Gare; Hotel de la Croix d'Or, (with garage), 
25, Rue St. Christophe. Garage : Popot, 96, Boulevard Jeanne 
d'Arc. 

Crossing the Aisne, take the main road leading north to Coucy- 
le-Chateau : about 6 kilometers from Soissons take the road to 
the left to— 

(7-153) 
LEURY : 
(3-156) 
JUVIGNY : Taken by the 32nd American Division (Michigan and 
Wisconsin National Guard troops), the evening of August 30th, 
1918, after several hours of hard fighting. Just outside of the 
town is an American cemetery containing some 400 graves. 
(Seepages 143-145.) 

Take road leading due east, turning to right upon reaching 
the main Soissons — Coucy-le-Chateau road, and continuing about 
one-half kilometer ; then take road to your left to — 
(5-161) 
TERNY-SORNY : After a heavy bombardment by American artillery 
the place was captured August 31st, 1918, by the 32nd Division, 
five hundred prisoners being taken. (See pages 145-146.) 



502 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS ; 

(7-168) 
VAUXAILLON : A most dismal picture of a completely demolished 
town. 
(5-173) 
PINON : The Chateau, now in absolute ruins, is said to have been 
the headquarters for a time of the German Crown Prince. 

(5-178) 
CHAVIGNON : Take road to Soissons. About one kilometer from 
Chavignon, on the right side of the road, is a large cave, with a 
number of corridors and rooms, capable of accommodating several 
thousand troops. It is well worth exploring. 

Following the road, one soon comes to the western limit of 
the famous — ■ 

(3-181) 
CHEMIN des DAMES : Nearby is the old Fort of Malmaison. 
Chemin des Dames ( Road of the ladies"), used by the ladies 
of the Court in the reign of Louis XV as a drive, was the scene 
of some of the most bitter fighting of the v/ar. Along this approx- 
imate line the German Army stabilized after the first retreat 
from the Marne in 1914, and it serves to show visitors the havoc 
that followed a long period of stabilized warfare, during which 
all the surrounding towns and villages were destroyed and the 
very earth itself was churned into a mass of shell-holes. Fort de 
Malmaison can be visited from this point, on foot in the event 
that the Chemin des Dames is not passable by automobile. 
From the ruins of the fort, looking due north, one can see the 
ruins of the city of Laon, and the whole countryside, with its 
signs of destruction and the ravages of war, leaves on the mind 
an indelible picture of what this part of France went through 
in four years. Returning to the main road, the route continues 
south towards Soissons. Before reaching the town of Crouy, 
there is to be seen on the left of the road a large cave with several 
entrances, used for the protection of troops. 

(18-199) 
SOISSONS : ^ Stop for jthe night may be made. See hotels mentioned 
under, Soissons", previous part of this Trip. Take the Sois- 
sons- Villers-Cotterets-Paris Road, proceeding to — 

(8-207) 
PLOISY CEMETERY : Contains 1,800 graves of American soldiers 
killed in the fighting in this vicinity in July, 1918. You are now 
in the center of the sector of the 1st American Division in the 
advance of July 18, 1918. The Soissons- Villers-Cotterets- 
Paris Road was one of the objectives of the 1st Division and there 



TRIP NO. 2 503 

was heavy fighting on both sides of the road. (See pages 76-84.) 
Continue to the cross-roads at— 
(1-208) 
CRAVANCON FARM (Croix de Fer) : Taken by the 1st Division. 
July 18th, 1918. (See pages 77 and 79.) Turn to left, proceed- 
ing to— 
(2-210) 
CHAUDUN : Captured by the 1 8th U.S. Infantry, of the 1 st Division. 
July 18th, 1918. (See pages 78-79.) Take road to right, through 
the village, to — 
(4-214) 
BEAUREPAIRE FARM : Taken by 2nd Battalion of the 23rd 
Infantry, of the 2nd Division, July 18th, 1918, (See page 88.) 
(4-218) 
LONGPONT : The Jump ofl" line of the 2nd American Division 
in the counter-offensive of July 18, 1918, extended from here 
to La Verte Feuille Farm. (See page 85.) 
(3-221) 
CORCY : 
(12-233) 
SILLY-Ia-POTERIE : 

(5-238)^ 
LA FERTE-MILON : Cross the Ourcq. 

(8-246) 
MAREUIL-sur-OURCQ : Cross river aj?ain. 

(3-249) 
NEUFCHELLES : 

(6-255) 
MAY-en-MULTIEN : 2nd American Division debussed here when 
rushed in motor-trucks. May 30th, 1918, from its training area 
northwest of Paris, to help stop the German drive for the Capital. 
The division then proceeded across country to Montreuil-aux- 
Lions, and thence by every available road and by-path it went 
f orw^ard to the battlelines of Chateau Thierry. (See page 1 9.) 
(17-272) 
MEAUX : Road to Paris same as Trip No. 1 . page 496, or if change 
of scenery is desired, the journey from Meaux to Paris may 
be made as follows, the country being prettier and the road 
better : Quincy, Couilly, St. Germain, Chessy, Lagny, Torcy, 
Champs, Noisy-le-Grand, Bry-sur-Marne, Nogent, Vincennes. 
The distance from Meaux to Paris this way^ is about 50 kilome- 
ters, as against 45 the other way. 
(45-317) 
PARIS, 



504 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLiyiELDS 

TRIP No. 3 
(2 days) 
SOISSONS-CHEMIN DES DAMES-REIMS- 
CHATEAU THIERRY 

(Road map : Tarlde No. 3, —obtainable from Souvenir Shop, 
II, Rue de Castigllone, Paris.) 

(Note. For meaning of numbers in parentheses above the names of 

places, see Note, Trip No. 1, page 496.) 

PARIS : Road to Meaux, same as Trip No, 1 , page 496. 

MEAUX : See, Meaux", page 496, Pass through the town, and 
turn left on the road to— 
(17-62) 
MKY-en-MULTIEN : 2nd American Division debussed here when 
rushed In motor trucks, May 30th, 1918, from its training area 
northwest of Paris, to help stop the German drive for the Capital. 
The division then proceeded across country to Montreuil-aux- 
Lions, and thence by every available road and by-path it went 
forward to the battlelines of Chateau Thierry. (See page 19.) 
(6-68) 
NEUFCHELLES : 

(3-71) 
MAREUIL-sur-OURCQ : Cross the river Ourcq and proceed to — 

(8-79) 
LA FERTE-MILON : Cross river again and follow main road to— 

(5-84) 
SILLY-la-POTERIE : 

(12-96) 
CORCY : 

(3-99) 
LCfNGPONT : The Jump off" line of the 2nd American Division 
in the counter-offensive of July 15, 1918, extended from here to 
Verte Feuille Farm. (See page 85.) 
(4-103) 
BEAUREPAIRE FARM : Taken bv 2nd Battalion of 23rd Infantry, 
of 2nd Division, July 18th, 1918. (See page 88.) 
(4-107) 
CHAUDUN : Captured by 18th Infantry, 1st Division, in the general 
advance on July 18th, 1918. (See pages 78-79.) Take road to 
left to— 
(2-109) 
CRAVANCON FARM Croix de Fer) : Taken by ht Division on 



___________ TRIP NO. 3 505 

July 1918. (Sec pages 77 ; 79.) Turn to right on main Soissons 
— ^Paris Highway. About 1 kilometer beyond is — 
(1-110) 

PLOISY CEMETERY : Contains 1.800 graves of American soldiers 
killed in the fighting in this vicinity in July, 1918. You are 
now in the center of the sector of the 1st American Division in 
the advance of July 18th, 1918. The Soissons-Paris Highway 
was one of the objectives of the 1 st Division and there was heavy 
fighting on both sides of the road. (See pages 76-84.) 
Continue on the Soissons-Parls Highway to — 
(8-118) 
SOISSONS : (See, "Soissons", pa,ie 501 .) Proceed to Leury, 
Juvigny, Terny-Somy, Vauxlllion, Pinon, Chavignon, and 
Chemin des Dames, as in Trip No. 2. 
(53-171) 
SOISSONS : Spend night here. (For hotels, see, ' Soissons", Trip 
No. 1 .) Take road to — 
(10-181) 
SERMOISE : When the Allied offensive of July, 1918, lapsed into 
stabilized trench warfare, the latter part of August, the front line 
ran through Sermolse. (See page 1 50.) 
(8-189) 
BRAISNE: 

(9-198) ' 

BAZOCHES : On August 9, 1918, the 4th American Division, in 

co-operation with the French, launched an attack against the 

town, but after considerable hard fighting we were compelled 

to withdraw. (See page 128; also, pages 125, 127, and 147.) 

(5-203) 

FISMES : On the night of August 3-4, 1918, a brigade of the 32nd 

Division attacked FIsmes, but the attacking lines were thrown 

back with heavy losses. (See page 141.) There was also a 

great deal of hard fighting done in the vicinity of FIsmes by the 

28th Division (Pennsylvania National Guard troops), and the 

77th Division (National Army troops of New York City.) (See 

pages 133 ; 140 ; 147.) 

(27-230) 

REIMS : (Population before the war, 114,000). The only time the 

Germans ever occupied Reims was at the beginning of the war 

(during September, 1914), when they were there for a few days. 

After their defeat on the Mame^the middle of September, 1914, 

they withdrew from Reims and "Dug In" a short distance away, 

their nearest trenches being only a mile or so from the city, 

The ruins of the famous Cathedral are, of course, the most 



506 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 



noteworthy sight In the city. An excellent bird's-eye view of 
Reims can be gotten from the top of Butte Saint NIcaise, which 
is in the city itself. 

Hotels and ResfauTanis : Continental, Place Drouet d'Erloy ; 

Dauboin, 7, Rue de Chativel ; De Champagne, Boulevard de 

la R^publique ; Du Nord, Place Drouet d'Erloy ; Excelsior, 

Rue des Capucins ; Grand Hotel, 50, Rue Clovis ; Hotel des 

Grands Voyages, 60, Rue des Capucins : Hotel des Touristes, 

22, Rue Brule ; Lafayette, Rue de Thillais ; Restaurant Deger- 

mann, 35, Rue Buirette; Restaurant Madelon, Rue de Velle ; 

Savoy, 52, Boulevard de la R^publique. Garages : Deitrich and 

Co., 220, Rue de Vesle ,• Plaquin, Rue de Chatival. 

(NOTE. It has been reported that the French Government was going 

to move the platform and all other parts of the Big Bertha Emplacement 

to Camp Madly, just outside of Paris. It is, therefore, suggested that 

before visiting the site, inquiries he made as to whether the emplacement 

has been removed. If it has been, then proceed from Reims to Chateau 

Thierry, via Epernay (whose famous champagne caves are interesting to 

visit) and Dormans. Information regarding the Big Bertha Emplacement 

can be obtained from the offices of '*Les Grands Voyages", 1 1 , Place 

du Parvis, or on the Boulevard de la Ripublique, Tel. 203 j 

Leaving Reims by the same road as that on which the city 
was entered, turn to the left about 2 kilometers out, and pro^ 
ceed to — 
(22-252) 
VILLE-en-TARDENOIS : Keep straight ahead to- 

(2-254) 
ROMIGNY : Continue on main road for 3 kilometers, then turn 
to right, following road to cross-roads about 1 kilometer south 
of Coulonges ; turn to left and continue 1 1/2 kilometers, to — 
(17-271) 
CHAMERY: On August 2nd, 1918. the 32nd American Division 
(Michigan and Wisconsin troops) passed through the village in 
their pursuit of the retreating Germans. (See page 140.) A 
kilometer or two outside of the village is the grave of Lieut. 
Quentin Roosevelt, who was buried by the foemen on the spot 
where his aeroplane was downed by a German aviator, July 14, 
I918.« Under date of October 25th, 1918, Colonel Roosevelt 
wrote the following letter to the Chief of Staff, U.S. Army : 
The enclosed clipping states that all the American 
dead in France will be taken home after the war, ac- 
cording to orders received by the army chaplains. I 
do not know whom to write to in the matter and so 
f rnerely ask that you turn this over to whoever has 



- TRIP NO. 3 507 

charge of the matter. Mrs. Roosevelt and I wish to 
enter a most respectful, but a most emphatic, protest 
against the proposed course so far as our son Quentin 
is concerned. We have always believed that where 
the tree falls, there let it lie." We know that many 
good persons feel entirely differently ; but to us it is 
merely painful and harrowing long after death to 
move the poor body from which the soul has gone. We 
greatly prefer that Quentin shall continue to lie on 
the spot where he fell in battle, and where the foemen 
buried him. After the war is over, Mrs. Roosevelt 
and I intend to visit the grave, and then to have a small 
stone put up, saying it is put up by us, but not disturb- 
ing what has already been erected to his memory by 
his French and American comrades in arms." 
Take main road just north of Chamery, and proceed west to — 
(8-279) 
FERE-en-TARDENOIS : Follow main road leading south to — 

(8^287) 
BEUVARDES : It was near' this village, in the Foret de Fire, that 
the 42nd ("Rainbow") Division, after nine days of continuous 
strenuous fighting retired, August 3rd, 1918, for a period of 
recuperation. (See page 123.) 
(6-293) 
EPIEDS : On July 22nd and again on July 23rd, 1918, the 26th Divi- 
sion (New England troops) made two unsuccessful efforts to 
dislodge the enemy from the village. (See pages 97-98.) 
(3-296) 
BEZU-St. GERMAIN : Proceed almost due 'north, crossing the 
railroad track about a kilometer and a half out, continuing straight 
ahead, with the railroad on your right, for a kilometer and a 
half, to— 
(3-299) 
BIG BERTHA EMPLACEMENT : Located on the left side of the 
road, 30 or 40 yards In the woods (Bois du Chatelet.) The 
emplacement, which is about 40 miles from Paris in a direct line, 
was never used, the Germans having been driven out in July, 
1918, before they had had time to mount the gun. The Big 
Bertha that fired on Paris was in the Forest of Coucy, not far 
from St. Gobain, and about 70 miles northeast of Paris. 

Return to Bezu-St. Germain, proceeding west to Soissons- 
Chateau Thierry Highway ; turn to left and follow road to — 
(12-311) 
CHATEAU THIERRY : See, "Chateau Thierry", page 498. 



\} 



508 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

Take main road leading out of town, northwest, to a point 
about 3 kilometers out ; turn to left, proceeding as far as — 
(5-316) 
VAUX : An excellent specimen of a completely demolished village, 
nearly all of which, however, was done by American artillery 
when the place was occupied by the Germans. After a destruc- 
tive artillery bombardment lasting from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 1st, 
1918, the village, which the Germans had converted into a 
real little fortress, was captured by the Americans. (See 
pages 37-39.) 

In center of village turn to right, and proceed to— 
(4-320) 
BOURESCHES : Captured by the Marines on June 6th. 1918. but the 
railroad station, which had been turned into a veritable fortress 
and heavily armed with machine guns, was held by the Germans 
until July 1 8, when it was captured by the 26th Division in the 
big counter-offensive begun on that day. (See r»ages 29 ; 30 ; 
33-36 ,-95.) 

In the center of the village turn to the right on road leading 
to Belleau. 

The wood on your left, between Bouresches and Belleau is 
the famous BELLEAU WOODS, now officially named, "Bois 
de la Brigade des Marines" ("Woods of the Marine Brigade"), 
in honor of the achievements of the two Marine regiments 
forming part of the Second Division. Thickly timbered, and 
of rugged, rocky formation, the great difficulty encountered by 
the Marines in the capture of this wood is apparent to the ob- 
server. (See pages 3 1 -37.) 

About two kilometers from Bouresches, on the left of the 
wood, )ust south of the village of Belleau, Is — 
j (2-322) 
BELLEAU CEMETERY : Contains the graves of about 2,300 Amer- 
ican soldiers killed in this vicinity. Directly above the cemetery 
is the northern limit of Belleau Woods, through which it is 
suggested a walk be taken. The demolished building which 
you will soon reach, wa» the Forester's house before the war. 
(Sec illustration facing page 49.) During the fighting it was 
used as a German machine gun emplacement. Near the house 
are a number of German graves. 

Continue on road leading to Belleau, turning to the left at 
cross-roads ; proceed one kilometer farther, taking road to the 
left to— 
(4-326) 
L.UCY-Ie-30CAGE j Headquarters of the 6th Regiment of Marines 



TRIP NO, 4 309 

were in this village for a time. The Supply,. andj Ammunition 
Dumps of the Regiment were also located here. It was along 
the line from Lucy to Champillon that the Marines first met the 
Germans on June 2nd, 1918. By June 4th the few French troops 
that had been holding the line in front of our men while we were 
getting into position, fell back through our Hnes near Lucy. 
(See page 32,) 

Continue straight ahead (south) for 2 kilometers, to the Cha- 
teau Thierry-Paris Highway, turning to the right, and proceeding 
to— 

(10-336) 
MONTREUIL-aux-LlONS : Continue straight ahead through La 
Ferte-sous-Jouarre, Meaux, Claye, Villeparisis, and Pantin 
(see these places. Trip No. 1 , pages 496-7), to — 

(73-409) 

PARIS. 

TRIP No. 4 

(4 days) 

CHATEAU THIERRY -REIMS- VERDUN- 
ARGONNE FOREST 

, (Roaa maps : Taride Nos. 2 and 3 ; obtainable from SouVENlR Shop 
1 1 , Rue de Castiglione, Paris.) 

FIRST DAY 
{Map : Taride No. 3.) 

PARIS ; Same as Trip No. 1 , page 496, through Pantin, Villepa- 
risis, Claye, Meaux, La Ferte-sous-Jouarre, Montreuil-aux- 
Lions, Lucy-le-Bocage, Belleau Cemetery, Belleau Woods, 
. Bouresphes, and Vaux, to — 

(97) 
CHATEAU THIERRY : See, "Chateau Thierry", page 498. 

Take Trip No. 3 (reversed), page 507, through Bezu-St. 
Germain, Big Bertha Emplacement, Epieds, Beuvardes, Fere- 
en-Tardenois, Chamery, Romigny, Ville-en-Tardenois, to— 

(NOTE. It has been reported that the French Government was going 
to move the platjorm and all other parts of the Big Bertha emplace- 
ment to Camp Mailly, just outside of Paris. It is, therefore, suggested 
that the trip from Chateau Thierry to Reims be made via Dormans 
and Epernay, whose famous champagne caves are interesting to visit./ 



51 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

(81-178) 
REIMS : Stop for night. For names of hotels and other information, 
see, ' Reims", pages 505-6. 

SECOND DAY 
(Maps : Taride Nos. 2 and 3.) 

(Note. The first number in parentheses above the name of a place 
shows the distance, in kilometers, between that place and the one imme- 
diately preceding, and the second number indicates the distance of the 
place from Reims.) 

REIMS ; (Our road from Reims to Ste. Menehould, en route to Verdun 
runs generally a few kilometers in rear of the Champagne front, 
but it crosses the front line at some points, — for example, Souain, 
Perthes-les-Hurlus, and Massiges.) There was considerable hard 
fighting on this front, especially during February and September, 
1915. The 42nd American Division, operating with the French 
in July, 1918, did excellent work on this front. (See pages 
60-63.) The part of the route along the famous Roman Road, 
beginning south of Auberive-sur-Suippe and going as far as 
Pcrthes-les-Hurlus, traverses the sector that the 42nd American* 
Division occupied when it was in support of the 1 3th and 1 70th 
French Divisions. It was only a few miles (varying from five 
to ten) north of this same section of the Roman Road that the 
2nd Division (Regular and Marine Corps troops ; Maj. Gen. 
John A. Lejeune, Marine Corps, of Louisiana, commanding) 
and the 36th Division (Texas and Oklahoma National Guard 
troops ; Maj. Gen. William R. Smith, Regular Army, of Ten- 
nessee, commanding) operated, in October, 1918, with the 
Fourth French Army in simultaneous cooperation with the 
1st American Army to the east, during the Meiise-Argonne 
Offensive. (See," With the French West of Argonne", page 415.) 
Take the Reims-Chalons road to — 

(8) 
FOI^T de la POMPELLE : Occupied almost continuously by the 
French throughout the war. Although heavily shelled and 
bombarded time and again, the Germans were never able to 
drive the French out. 

Continue on road (right) in direction of Chalons ; about 
two kilometers from Fort de la Pompelle, just before railroad 
crossing, turn to left on road tc — 
(5-13) 
PRUNAY : Follow road «outhea«t lo-» 

(346) 

WEZ : Continue to-* 



tkip NO, 4 _^ 5H 

(1-17) 
THUIZY : As you reach the town, take road to your left, leading 
northeast ; follow this road a little over 2 kilometers, when you 
will reach a highway ; turn to right and continue 1 kilometer, 
then turn to left, travelling 4 kilometers, to — 
(7-24) 
PROSNES : Continue straight ahead (northeast) for 1 34 kilometers 

to— 
LA VOIE ROMAINE (the Roman Road), built by the Romans. 
Turn to right. After proceeding about six miles, you will 
come to a cross-road about a mile south of Auberive-sur- 
Suippe. For the next nine miles or so, as far as Perthes-Ies- 
\ Hvirlus, the road traverses the sector of the 42nd American 
Division, as previously stated, when it was in support position 
at the beginning of its operations with the French on this front 
in July, 1918. 
(J3.37) 
\ St. HILAIRE-Ie-GRAND : In middle of town take road to left 
(northeast) to— 
(6-43) (3-62) 

SOUAIN : CERNAY-en-DORMOIS i 

(9-52) . <5-67) 

TAHURE : *VILLE-sur.TOURBE : 

(4-56) (3-70) 

RIPONT : BERZIEUX : 

(3-59) 
ROUVROY : 

(12-82) 
STE. MENEHOULD : {Hoteh : St. Nicolas, and Hotel de Metz. 
both on Rue Chanzy; Hotel Terminus, Place de la Gare, oppo- 
site railroad station.) Turn to the right in the center of the 
town, and continue to — 

(17-99) 
CLERMONT : Continue straight ahead to— 

(29-128) 
VERDUN : . 

Contrary to the popular conception of the location of Verdun, it does 
not occupy a high prominence, but lies in the Valley' of the Meuse River, 
with its Citadel rising to no great height above the main part of the 
town. While it has its walls, and its moat, — relics of mediaeval times, — 
the defenses of Verdun consist of numerous forts located on the tops 
of prominent hiib which extend for many miles west, north and east of 



12 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 



the city. To the south the country is low, affording few, if any. heights 
on which fortresses could be erected. 

In the history of France, Verdun has always stood eminent as a strong- 
hold of French prowess. Its capture by the Germans would have been 
a terrific blow to the morale of the French Army and to the French 
people, to whom its traditions are sacred. The defense of Verdun, 
where there were sacrificed some 450,000 French soldiers, serves as 
a monum.ent to the determination of the Nation to perpetuate these 
traditions. 

The Citadel, with its many-vaulted chambers, is an interestmg place 
to see. Here, during the German offensive of 1916 were quartered 
the reserves of the French Army. From here went the reinforcements 
to the front lines defending the city. From here, also, were sent to 
the front all supplies for the soldiers in the trenches. With its overhead 
protection the soldiers quartered in the Citadel were safe from any 
artillery or aerial bombardment. They could rest in security, recuper- 
ating from the hardships of front line service, being entertained in the 
little theater which forms a part of the Citadel equipment, and be pre- 
pared for greater service which was sure to come. Cut off from all rail- 
road connection with the south, supplies for the troops in front of and 
in Verdun were brought from Bar-le-Duc by a fleet of 3,900 motor- 
trucks, supplemented by a 60-centimeter railroad line. This railroad 
line ran right into the Citadel, where its loads of much needed supplies 
could be unloaded in safety. Organizing the highway leading from 
Bar-le-Duc to Verdun into a three-way road, over which they could 
operate this large fleet of trucks with the system and regularity of a 
railroad train the French kept Verdun supplied throughout the six 
months of fighting before the city, and ever since that time the road 
has been known as "LA VOIE S AGREE " ("THE SACRED 
ROAD "). 

Foiled in his attempts to conquer and occupy this stronghold of 
French tradition, the Hun never allowed the city to be free from artillery 
or aerial bombardment, even to the day of the armistice ; for, on that 
day, as the hour of eleven approached. Verdun was subjected to a last 
final parting shot from the German artillery. 

It is interesting to note that the major operations of the American 
Army in France centered around Verdun. To the east the reduction 
of the St. Mihiel Salient by the First American Army (see pages 1 52-2 1 0), 
took place,, and to the west and north was fought the Meuse-Argonne 
Offensive, America's greatest battle. (See page 211.) 
(NOTE. For hotels and restaurants, in Verdun, see Hotels" , page 5\7). 

Side Tri^s From Verdun 
Forts Douaumont and Vaax. 

A visit to Verdun would not be complete without seeing the outlying 



TRIP NO. 4 



5\t 



forts of Douaumont and Vaux which stand out so prominently in the 
history of the defense of Verdun against the German attacks of 1916. 

The intensity of the artillery fire to which both of these forts were 
subjected has changed materially their appearance from what it was 
before the war. 

In their advance through Belgium in August, 1914, the Germans had 
succeeded in destroying the fortifications of Liege and Namur with 
heavy artillery. In their attacks on Verdun from the north in 1916 
they expected to do the same with all the Verdun forts, but in this 
they were disappointed. While they did succeed in demoHshing much 
of the superstructure of Fort Douaumont and Fort Vaux. the under- 
ground parts remained intact. 

Leaving Verdun. Take the Faubourg 
below), continuing straight ahead for 
cross-road at BELLEVUE ; turn to 
6 kilometers to — 

Fort Vaux, Smaller than Fort Douaumont, Fort Vaux is the 
companion fort in the northern defenses of Verdun. 

^' ! I '■ Bois de 

'.■-- j< Haudroi-nonl r,rr,r- ■-■ 



du Pave road (see sketch 
about 8 kilometers, to the 
the left and proceed for 




-:&:&^4^^ W\>ERt) U N 



Chemins de fer 
Itineraire du circuft 



Scale : 1 InchlU 3 kilometers 



33 



514 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

The village of Vaux once rested at the bottom of the northern slope 
of^the ridge on which stands the Fort. To-day one can see from the 
top of the Fort a couple of small piles of masonry representing what is 
left of the railroad station. 

W Unlike Fort Douaumont, which, after evacuation, was taken by the 
Germans with the capture of but six prisoners. Fort Vaux resisted to 
the very last and was finally relinquished by the surrender of Major 
Raynal and 300 French soldiers. 

B On June 1st, 1916, the Germans took the village of Vaux, and the 
next day they got to the top of the Fort. The normal garrison of the 
Fort was 300, but there were at that time 689 soldiers under the command 
of Major Raynal. Upon reaching the Fort there followed a struggle 
in the underground passages and chambers, which, for intensity and 
fierceness, was never surpassed in the history of the war. Hand gre* 
nades, rifles, machine guns, and bayonets were freely used in the death 
struggle that took place m the dark. 

Cut off from all communication with the outside, with their water 
supply exhausted, living in an atmosphere that was deadly from the 
stench of the dead and the smoke and gases of firearms, on the night 
of June 6-7, 1916, one hundred of the garrison succeeded in making 
their escape to the French lines. 

On the morning of June 7th Major Raynal and the other survivors 
surrendered to the Germans, who occupied the Fort until November 2nd 
of the same year, when it was retaken by the French. 

It is related that during the time the conflict was going on in the 
Fort, Major Raynal was decorated as Commander of the Legion of 
Honor. News of this decoration was sent him by wireless, the message 
being intercepted by the Germans. When Major Raynal, as a prisoner 
of war, was brought before the German Crown Prince, the latter notified 
him of his decoration and returned to him his sword. 

An excellent view of the surrounding country can be gotten from the 
top of the Fort. Following the ridge southward you see, first. Fort 
Souville, and beyond. Fort St. Michel. On the other side of Fort 
St. Michel is the valley of the Meuse in which lies the City of Verdun, 
so that one can imagine how near the Germans came to the city itself. 
In the final plunge of the Crown Prince's army, which reached a point 
500 meters south of Fleury, some German soldiers actually attained 
the top of Fort Souville, but they were driven off by counter-attack. 
(See, Brief Description of Campaign Against Verdun", on third 
page following.) 

Retrace your route for 3 ^2 kilometers to the road-fork just west of 
Fort de Tavannes (see sketch on preceding page), turning to the right 
and following the road for 4 kilometers to — 

Fleury. Or, rather to a spot on the left of the road where once 



TRIP NO. 4 515 

stood the village of Fleury, of which not a vestige remciins to-day. 
Unless it has been removed, a stake in the ground indicates where 
the village church used to stand. 

Continue ahead about 4 kilometers to — 

Fori Douaumont. Unless the road going up to the Fort has been 
rebuilt since 1919, you will have to leave your car on the main road, 
and walk the rest of the way, about a mile, to the Fort itself, over 
ground every foot of which was churned and rechurned by exploding 
shells. 

It is, indeed, hard to conceive that before the war there were forests 
on many of the hills, now so barren, around Forts Douaumont and 
Vaux. 

Fort Douaumont, which is the largest of the several constituting the 
defenses of Verdun, is about 10 kilometers northeast of Verdun. 

The Fort was captured by the Germans on February 25, 1916, having 
at the time, however^ only six French soldiers in it, the place having 
been evacuated by the French. The Germans occupied it until October 
of the same year. The actual factor in the capture of the place by the 
Germans, and its recapture later by the French, was the use of asphyx- 
iating gas shells v/hich rendered the Fort uninhabitable. 

Two large holes can be seen on top of the Fort. The smaller one, 
directly on top, was caused by a German shell of large caliber. 
The other, on the southern edge and face, was made by a 420" (1 6.5- 
inch) shell from French artillery, fired during the time the Germans 
were in possession in 1916. During this period of German occupationthe 
French fired one hundred "420*s" at the Fort, of which twenty were 
direct hits. Fifty additional shells of the same caliber (420) were fired 
in one day, and of the number, twenty were effective, but there is only 
the one crater mentioned that gives any evidence of great damage 
having been done by this titanic bombardment. 

The underground passages and rooms of the Fort, including the 
Museum or Trophy Room, are of great interest, and should by all means 
be visited with a guide, obtainable from the French soldiers on duty 
there. 

On a clear day a wonderful view of the hills and valleys for miles 
around can be obtained from the top of the Fort. Under favorable 
conditions it is possible to see the smoke-stacks of the famous Briey iron 
mines, a little north of east. 

The Fort is located on the northern end of a ridge running southwest- 
northeast. It is approached from the south. 

From the top of the Fort let us view the country to the southwest. 
Midway along the rid?;e pn which the Fort is located we see a small 
fortification known as, "Ouvrage de la Ferme de Thiaumont", ( Position 



516 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS ____^ 

of Thiaucourt Farm") and at the southern end of the ridge we see the 
fortification of, "Cote de Froide Terre". 

Turning to the southeast we see a similar ridge paralleling the one on 
which we stand, and at the northern extremity is Fort Vaux. Midway 
along its top we see Fort Souville, and at the southern extremity of the 
ridge is Fort St. Michel, beyond which, in the valley of the Meuse, lies 
the City of Verdun. 

Crossing to the other side of the Fort and facing north, we see spread 
out before us the whole panorama of the fields over which the German 
offensive of February, 1916, was fought. 

Almost due west (slightly north of west), and across the river Meuse, 
is seen the bald top of Le Mort Homme (Dead Man's Hill), and 
beyond it, slightly to the south, is Hill 304, both of which played prom- 
inent parts in the defense of Verdun. 

Directly noTth, and beyond the intervening ridges, there stands out 
in bold relief a round-topped hill. Cote de Romagne, When the Ger- 
man offensive began in February, 1916, the lines were running east 
and west on this side of that hill, and about six miles from Fort Douau- 
mont. 

I^To the east can be seen the great plain of the Woevre. In 1916 the 
ront lines coming east from the Meuse this side of Cote Romagne, 
turned south across the Plain of the Woevre, about five and one-half 
miles east of Fort Douaumont, and extended on south and southeast 
to the City of St. Mihiei. 

(See "Brief Description of Campaign Against Verdun" on following 
page.) 

Returning to the road where the car was left, proceed straight ahead 
a short distance to — 

"La Tranchee des Baionnettes" ("The Trench of the Bayonets".) 
On the right of the road, you will see a wooden monument, erected in 
commemoration of the extraordinary heroism of the 1 37th Regiment of 
Infantry in the Battle of Thiaumont, June 10th- 14th, 1916. A few 
yards on the other side of the monument is La Tranchee des 
Baionnettes " whose thrilling tragic story fills one with admiration for 
the indomitable bravery and heroism of the French, The trench is 
marked by a wire enclosure within which muzzles of a number of rifles 
protrude from the ground. 

The German attack on the position of Thiaumont was one of the 
fiercest of all the terrific fighting that took place on the fields of Verdun. 
The artillery bombardment, in which large caliber guns were used, 
was appalling and overwhelming, the bodies of many of the defenders 
being dirown up into the air and hurled through space. 

At thefend of the battle more than one half of the companies were 
commanded by non-commissioned officers. 



TRIP NO. 4 517 

Although with ammunition exhausted, and surrounded, outnumbered, 
and subjected to one of the worst bombardments of the war, the defen- 
ders of the first line, while being literally buried alive in their trenches 
by the volumes of earth thrown up by exploding shells of heavy artillery 
fought on with a heroism unsurpassed in the annals of war. 
To quote General Cherfils, of the French Army : 

The first line that defended the important position of 
Thiaumont was on a small crest, lower down, on an ad- 
vanced ridge. Two battalions of the 137th Regiment of 
Infantry held this trench. The bombardment of June 
1 1 th which preceded the German attack was so frightful 
that it literally buried in their trenches nearly the entire 
two battalions. These heroes did not want to flee. They 
remained standing, their rifles erect in their hands, ready to 
meet the assault of the Boche. The trench is to-day mark- 
ed by a row of muzzles of rifles, almost vertical, protruding 
20 or 30 centimeters above the level of the earth churned 
up by exploding shells. These vertical rifles are still being 
held by the shrivelled hands of the heroes, buried standing 
in their trenches. 

"Nothing is more touching or more sublime than the 
hymn of Glory that comes forth from this irregular line of 
rifle muzzles pointing toward Heaven." 
Continue ahead about 1 4 kilometers, via BRAS and BELLEVILLE, 
to— 

Verdun : Stop for the night. The total distance travelled on this 
side trip is about 35 kilometers (approximately 22 miles). 

Hotels : De Metz, Rue de la Madeleine ; Du Coq Hardi, Rue du 
St. Esprit; Hotel Jeanne d'Arc, on Faubourg du Pave, about one 
kilometer out of the city; Hotel Miracourt, 41 Rue Hotel-de-Ville ; 
Hotel Petit St. Martin, near Du Coq Hardi ; College Buvignier, Rue 
Mazel (dormitory only, for accommodation of tourists). Garage : 
Rochelle, Rue de la Riviere. 

Brief Descriphon of Campaign Against Verdun 
Volumes could be written on the gigantic struggles that took place 
over the ground lying to the north of FORT DOUAUMONT. It 
was the monumental struggle of the war in which the Germans lost 
500,000 killed and the French almost an equal number. It is estimated 
that in the quadrilateral made bv FORTS DOUAUMONT. VAUX. 
SOUVILLE, and FROIDE TERRE. one man was killed for every 
one of the 900,000 or more square meters ol ground. 

Reahzing the vital part that the history and traditions of Verdun 
play in the life of the French people, the German High Command was 
firm in its belief that the capture of Verdun would strike a mortal blow 



518 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 



to the soul of France, so demoralizing and disheartening that the Nation 
would promptly sue for peace. It was, therefore, decided that no 
sacrifices would be too great to take Verdun. 

The German campaign contemplated the destruction of the forts 
f orming the defenses of the City in the same manner as the forts of 
Liege and Namur had been destroyed with heavy caliber artillery during 
the German advance through Belgium in August, 1914 ; and then the 
overcoming of the French man-power resistance by a preponderance 
of men attacking in mass formation. It was literally to be a campaign 
of annihilation. 

At 7 a.m., February 21st, 1916, the German artillery, a good percen- 
tage being of heavy caliber, began a preliminary bombardment along 
the entire Western Front, from the North Sea to Switzerland, with the 
object of confusing the Allies as to just where the principal thrust would 
be made. 

At 3:30 o'clock in the afternoon the infantry attack was launched 
on a nine-kilometer (5 ^2 "fiile) front, directly north of FORT 
DOUAUMONT. 

The weather at that season of the year (February) was terrible. 
Constant rains had filled all the shell-holes with water, making the 
ground almost impassable, and added to that the cold was intense. 
However, so great was the power and volume of the German artillery 
that, in spite of the heroic resistance of the French, at the end of two 
days the enemy had advanced five kilometers (3 miles), carrying every- 
thing before him. 

Four days after the attack began, February 25th, 1916, FORT 
DOUAUMONT was occupied by the Germans, having been 
evacuated by the French. 

FORT VAUX, in spite of repeated attacks during four days, held 
out, and the Germans were compelled to relinquish their efforts to 
capture it. 

The enemy then turned his attention to LE MORT HOMME (Dead 
Man's Hill) and HILL 304, to the west of the Meuse River ; for. as 
long as the French were in possession of these two commanding posi- 
tions they were able to bring artillery within range of FORTS DOUAU- 
MONT and VAUX, and the valleys to the north, thus effectually 
stopping the Germans from making further progress on this front. 

From February 29th to May 23rd, 1916, almost three months, the 
struggle centered about LE MORT HOMME and HILL 304. which 
the Germans finally succeeded in capturing, — HILL 304, May 7th, 
and LE MORT HOMME, May 23rd. 

The enemy then tuined[his attention again to FORT VAUX, launch- 
ing an attack against, and capturing, the village of Vaux on June Ul. 
The Fort was reached the next dayt and then followed the heroic and 



TRIP NO. 4 319 

historic fight for possession of the place, which finally fell into the 
hanHs of the enemy on June 7th, as mentioned in the description of 
FORT VAUX. 

The battle thus begun on June 1st v/as continued without material 
change in the lines until July 1st. On that date the British began 
an offensive in the Somme region, and the Germans, realizing that it 
was necessary to make a final effort to capture Verdun, launched another 
offensive the same day, attacking along the two main ridges on the 
north ends of which rest FORTS DOUAUIVIONT and VAUX. This 
thrust carried them down the valley lying between these two forts, 
beyond the village of FLEURY, where, however, the fire of the French 
artillery stopped the advance. 

In October, 1916, the French retook FORT DOUAUMONT, and 
on November 2nd they reoccupied FORT VAUX, both places having 
been practically evacuated by the Germans because of the use of asphyx- 
iating gas by the French. 

In August, 1917, the French retook LE MORT HOMME and 
HILL 304, the line stabilizing in front of these two famous hills until 
Septem.ber 26th, 1918, when the great American offensive of the Meuae- 
Argonne began. 

By the same road that you came, return to VERDUN for the night. 

Hotels : For list of Hotels and Garages in Verdun, see page 517 

THIRD DAY 

(Map : Taride No. 2.) 

(Note. The first number in parentheses above the name of a place 
shows the distance, in kilometers, between that place and the one 
immediately preceding, and the second number indicates the distance 
of the place from Verdun.) 
VERDUN : Take road leading north to— 

(8) 
BRAS : Continue to— 

(2-10) 
VACHERAUVILLE : Proceed to— 

(5-15) 

SAMOGNEUX : It was along the canal bank between this village 
and Brabant that the 29th American Division (National Guard 
troops of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the 
District of Columbia) went into line the evening of October 



520 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

7, 1918, for participation in the operations against the Germans 
that were scheduled to begin at daybreak the next morning, 
(See page 310.) 

(3-18) 
BRABANT : Follow the road to— 

(3-21) 
CONSENVOYE : Cross the Meuse and continue to— 

(5-26) 
GERCOURT: Continue to— 

(10-36) 
MONTFAUCON : 

Dominating the whole region, MONTFAUCON was, with the 
possible exception of the ARGONNE FOREST, the most important 
single tactical feature of the battlefield. (See pages 217; 238-239 ; 241 : 
343; 344; 370-72.) 

The ruins were caused, first by the Germans in their advance in 1914 ; 
then by the French in their bombardments of the place ; again, by 
American artillery during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive ; lastly, by 
the Germans after the place had fallen into the hands of the Americans 
on September 27th, 1918. 

The Germans, who occupied the place from the beginning of the 
war, organized it most completely for defense and for use as an obser- 
vation station. 

It played an important part in the German offensives of 1916 against 
VERDUN, HILL 304, and LE MORT HOMME. 

In the northern part of the town there is a large concrete tower erected 
in the center of a house. Installed in this tower was a giant periscope 
by means of which an observer seated in security in the concreted cellar 
could view the country for miles around. It was known as, "The 
Crown Prince's Observatory". After the armistice the periscope was 
dismantled and sent to the United States Military Academy, West 
Point, New York, where it now may be seen as a relic from a concrete 
and steel tower that once protected the heroic person of the Imperial 
German Crown Prince. 

The church is the best point from which to visualize the initial opera- 
tions of the American Army in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Built 
up in the ruins you will find a German observation post of stone and 
concrete, from the top of which an excellent view can be obtained of 
the country to the south, east and west. 

Looking due south and then to the east and west, we see stretched 



TRIP NO. 4 521 

out before us the entire country over which fought the nine American 
Divisions that began the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. (See pages 222- 
226.) We have the advantage, too, of seeing this terrain from the 
German side. 

Facing south ; Directly to the south we see the BOIS de MONT- 
FAUCON. Attacking from the northern edge of these woods on the 
afternoon of September 26th, 1918, the 313th Infantry, of the 79th Divi- 
sion (National Army troops from Virginia^ Maryland, and the District 
of Columbia), was twice compelled to retire before the machine gun 
defenses of MONTFAUCON. 

Patrols of the 37th Division (Ohio National Guard troops), which 
attacked on the left of the 79th Division, entered the town the afternoon 
of September 26th, but the complete occupation of MONTFAUCON 
was not accomplished until 1 1 o'clock a.m., September 27th, when 
the 313lh Infantry took possession. 

However, even with the place thus occupied by American troops, 
some German ob^^ers remained in sequestrated observation posts 
of the town, and as late as September 28th, after the American advance 
had passed beyond MONTFAUCON, enemy pigeons were released 
and carried back messages to the German Army. Also, in the narrow 
strip of woods lying directly east two German snipers were captured 
the afternoon of September 27th, after American troops had gotten 
beyond the town. One of the snipers was dressed in the uniform of 
an American soldier and the other in the uniform of a French Poilu". 
There is no record of what ever became of the two snipers. 

Facing east : About six miles away we see a long narrow stretch or 
woods, BOIS de FORGES, extending north and south. Just beyond 
these woods is the valley of the MEUSE RIVER, marking the eastern 
limit of the American line. Following the line of the woods in a south- 
erly direction, across the valley of FORGES CREEK, we see lying low 
in the distance, a bare hill from which the 33rd Division (Illinois National 
Guard troops) began its advance against the woods. 

From this hill, travelling West (right) with the eye we see a large barren 
hill, LE MORT HOMME (Dead Man's Hill). (See, "LE MORT 
HOMME", pages 518 ; 519.) From the northern slope of this hill the 
80th Division (National Army troops of Pennsylvania, West Virginia 
and Virginia) started its advance the morning of September 26th. 

Following the line of LE MORT HOMME to the west (right), we 
see the equally famous HILL 304, higher than LE MORT HOMME, 
and on which terrific fighting took place in 1916 and 1917 between the 
French and Germans, It was from the forward slopes of HILL 304 



522 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

that the 79th Division, with the 4th Division (Regulars) on its right. 
Jumped off" the morning of September 26th, 1918. 

Along the road we see extending east (\eh) from MONTFAUCON, 
and less than a mile away, the spot where the 79th Division erected a 
field hospital consisting of a number of Red Cross tents, each plainly 
marked on top with a large red cross. !n addition to this, a Red Cross 
flag was placed on the top of a high tree nearby. Soon after the tents 
were pitched a wounded German officer was brought in, and he promptly 
advised the removal of the Hospital, but no attention was paid to his 
advice. Shortly thereafter a German observation aeroplane came over, 
and within half an hour after this visit Hun artillery destroyed the 
tent in which were the German officer and 75 wounded American 
soldiers. 

Facing southwest : We see plainly in the distance a bald hill, VAU- 
QUOIS, which was in the line of advance of the 35th Division (Kansas 
and Missouri National Guard troops.) 

Facing west : Due west (right) can be seen a-ipng line of woods, 
the ARGONNE FOREST, through which the 7'7th National Army 
Division from New York City had to fight its way. Take the road 
leading north to — 

(5-41) 
CIERGES : Occupied the morning of October 1, 1918, by patrols 
of the 32nd American Division (Michigan and Wisconsin 
National Guard troops.) (See pages 316 ; 344-46.) 

(5-46) 
ROMAGNE: Captured Oct. 14th, 1918, by the 32nd Division 
(Michigan and Wisconsin troops.) (See pages 249 ; 317 ; 318.) 

(1-47) 
ARGONNE CEMETERY: The largest American cemetery in 
France. About 23,000 soldiers killed m the Meuse-Argonne 
Offensive of September 26th — November 11th, 1918, are buried 
here. Return to — 

ROMAGNE : Take the road to— 

(11-58) 
CHARPENTRY: Taken Sept. 27th, 1918, by the 35th Division. 
(Kansas and Missouri troops.) (Seepages 258; 336; 338.) 

(4-62) 
VARENNES : Captured Sept. 26th, 1918, by the troops of the 28th 
and 35th Divisions. (See pages 303 : 334 ; 365.) 



TRIP NO. 4 523 

Cross the AIRE RIVER, turn sharply to the left, and go 
uphill through the town. At the road-fork 600 yards beyond 
the town, follow the road to the right, leading into the ARGONNE 
FOREST. A short distance after entering the Forest you will 
see leading to the right a road that is not always passable for 
automobiles. If not passable for your ear, get out and follow 
this road on foot for about 600 yards, when you will see several 
German graves just on the right of the road. A minute's walk 
along the path leading to the right from this point will take 
you to — 

(3-65) 
CAMP MAHAUT : This was for several years a German rest camp, 
with accommodations for several thousand men, to which tired 
soldiers were sent for recuperation after periods of hard front- 
line service. 

The camp, which consisted of a complete system of shelters 
ranging from ornate concrete dugouts to unpretentious log 
huts, was lighted by electricity, supplied with piped water, 
and had a theater, the ruins of which can be seen near the bottom 
of the valley. There was also a swimming pool not far from 
the theater. 

A hundred yards of so to the west of the first elaborate concrete 
dugouts you will see, is to be found a deep valley whose sides 
s'.re terraced with concrete and log shelters, each having its 
dugout deeper into the hill for the ever necessary protection 
against shell fire. 

Return to — 

(3-68) 
VARENNES : Cross the Aire, turn to the right and take the road to — 

(3-71) 
VAUQUOIS HILL: 

Named after the adjoining village of VAUQUOIS, of which to-day 
not a single vestige remains. 

A climb to the top of VAUQUOIS HILL, one of the most interesting 
points on the battlefronl, is well worth the effort. From this vantage 
point a comprehensive view can be had of the operations of the western 
end of the American line in the great Meuse-Argonne Offensive that 
began September 26th, 1918, and lasted 46 days, — until the armistice 
on November 11th. The hill was in the sector of the 35th Division 
(National Guard troops of Kansas and Missouri, — Maj. Gen. Peter 
E. Traub, of New York, commanding.) (See pages 327-341.) 



524 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

The top of the hill is reached more easily by a winding path, inter- 
cepted by a series of steps, leading from the northern side, or the side 
which was within the German lines. While the ascent is long and 
steep, throughout the climb you will see interesting evidences of the 
nature of the works which made up this enemy stronghold. Tunnels 
and dugouts line the sides of the hill. Many of these are entrances to 
the underground galleries leading under the opposing lines on the other 
side of the hill, and which, in the first part of the war, when mining 
and counter-mining were in vogue, were used for the placing of large 
explosive charges that blew up the entire center of the hill. Others of 
these underground galleries were used to shelter the garrison, thej 
normal strength of which was upwards of 1,300 men. 

Upon reaching the top you will find that the whole center of the hill, ' 
not a wide hill in itself, consists of a series of enormous craters, — mute 
evidence of the nature of the explosions ^yhich were set off by both 
sides (French and German) to destroy the other. 

Along the lips of this chasm separating the top of the hill into two 
parts, and within about sixty yards opposite each other, were the French 
and German outpost lines. We can see here and there on both sides 
of the craters, small observation posts from which each side kept careful 
watch on the movements of the other. There were not many places 
along the battlefront where the lines were as close together as on VAU- 
QUOIS HILL. It was in 1 9 14, the first year of the war, that the French 
and German lines stabilized on the narrow top of this hill, and both 
sides then resorted to mining operations. There was much bitter 
Bghting. In 1915 the French made an effort to take the position by 
direct attack, but failed after losinsr 3,000 men. (See pages 327; 329; 
330 ; 334.) 

American Operations 

Standing on top ot VAUQUOIS and facing north we see — 

To the west : The long line of the ARGONNE FOREST. In the 
valley this side of the Forest the AIRE RIVER flows, following the 
line of the Forest to the north as far as GRANDPRE, where, turnings 
to the west through a break in the hills of the Forest, it flows into the 
AISNE. 

To the northwest : A little less than two miles away, astride the<l 
AIRE RIVER, is the town of VARENNES, famous in French history 
as the place where Louis XVI and Marie- Antoinette were captured 
in their attempt to escape into Belgium. The place was taken September: 
26th, 1918, jointly by the 137th U.S. Infantry (Kansas National Guard 
troops), of the 35th Division, and the 28th Division (Pennsylvania 
National Guard troops, — Maj. Gen. Chas. H. Muir, of Michigan.i 
commanding.) (See pages 303 ; 334.) 



TRIP NO. 4 523 

To the norlh : Following with the eye the opposite side of the AIRE 
RIVER to the north, we see the town of MONTBLAINVILLE. while 
across the river from MONTBLAINVILLE are the towns of BLAUNY 
and CHARPENTRY. 

In the immediate foreground, slightly west of north, is CHEPPY, 
captured by the 35th Division, Sept. 26th, 1918. (See pages 328; 
331-333.) 

To the northeast : Clearly outlined in the distance are the ruins 
of MONTFAUCON. towering above the. entire region. The woods 
between us and MONTFAUCON are the BOIS de MONTFAUCON, 
but the section on our immediate front, while a part of the main woods, 
has the local name of, "BOIS de CHEPPY". 

To the south : Directly to the south you will see a large body of 
woods. It was there that the troops of the 35th Division (Kansas and 
Missouri National Guard, — Maj. Gen. Peter E. Traub, of New York, 
Commanding) were concentrated prior to the commencement of the 
attack, September 26th, 1918. The direction of advance was almost 
due north, guiding on the AIRE RIVER, and keeping in touch on its 
eft with the 28th Division (Pennsylvania National Guard troops, — 
Maj. Gen. Charles H. Muir, of Michigan, commanding), and on its 
right with the 91st Dirision (National Army troops from Alaska, Wash- 
ington, Oregon, California, Idaho. Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and 
Utah. — Maj. Gen. Wm. H. Johnston, of Ohio, commanding.) 

The plan of attack did not contemplate a direct attack on VAUQUOIS 
HILL, but an advance on both sides of it, thus "pinching it out". 

One battalion of infantry was assigned to follow the progress of the 
attack and "Mop up" VAUQUOIS HILL and the small patch of woods 
directly west of it,— BOIS de ROSSIGNOL. However, this proved 
to be a very difficult task, as the hill was strongly fortified with machine 
guns. (See pages 329 ; 330.) 

Preparatory to the .lump off" by the infantry, our heavy artillery 
opened up at 1 1 p.m., September 25th, concentrating on VAUQUOIS 
HILL, positions known to contain German batteries, roads ovgr which 
troops might be brought forward to support the enemy front lines, 
and concentration points for German reserves. At 2 a.m., the light 
artillery joined the heavy, concentrating on enemy trenches, strong- 
points, and wire and other obstacles in the path of attack of the Infantry. 

In the woods just to the south of VAUQUOIS HILL waited the 
infantry that was to make the attack to the right of the hill. Shortly 
before 5:30 a.m., the troops were moved forward over the top of the 
hill back of which they had been held and lined up at the foot, ready 
to plunge into the attack at 5:30, sharp. 

The general direction of the advance was slightly west of north, 
towards the town of CHEPPY. 



526 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIKLDS 



Promptly at 5:30 the artillery bombardment changed to a rolling 
barruRtt, and the infantry began to advance on both sides ot 
VAUQUOIS. 

Weather conditions for ten days preceding the day of the attack 
hail been abominable. It had rnincd steadily, and the valley which i 
lic*s before us was soggy with walci-Hlloil shell-holes all along tho line 1 
of atlvance. 

There was a heavy fog which, although masking our movements 
and thus advantageous in the prevention of casualties, was a drawback 
in that, enshri)uded bv it, our troops coidd move only by compass, < 
which is always difhcult in battle ; also, it matle keeping in contact 
with adjoining units very di(hcvdl. 

In addition to this heavy log. a j)art of our artillery barrage consisted 
of smoke shells which inteusihed the obscurity still more. 

The fog lifted niomentarlly, and an advancing line of our infantry, 
just uoith of VAUQUOIS, was mowed down by German niachmr 
guns from the hill. 

Between VAUQUOIS HILL and CHEPPY, in rear of the fringe of 
hedges wlueh you see, there was a battery of German artillery ranged 
for direct lue on our ailvancnig mfantry. On the forward face of the 
bank on top of which is the binge of hedge, can be seen the white 
machine gun euiplacements built by the Germans for the defense of 
CHEPPY. "These defenses were entered through tunnels, from the 
rear of the lull. 

I'inally, the fog that luul been protecting the advance oi our inlantry / 
suddenly lifted, and our men became a target for all the concentrated i 
lire that could be turned on them from the defenses of CHEITY. 

Tanks which had been made available for the su!^pi>rt of the 3'>th Div- 
ision were sent for, but in the meantime the inftmlry had to find such 
cover as it could, and wait, suflering severely, until assistance came. 
The tanks did not arrive xmtll noon. Going into action behind 
these ejigines of destniction, CI UTPY. with its well-constructed system 
of defenses, was captured by I o'clock, and the advance was continued 
north until, nt the end of the dav. the line was beyond the towns ol 
BAULNY and CHARPENTRY,' which can be seen to the north, on 
the right bank of the AIRE. (See pages 258 ; 336 ; 338.) 

VARENNES was captured, as stated elsewhere, the afternoon ol 
the same day (September 26th) by troops of the 28th and 35th Divisions 
By night the 28th Division (Pennsylvania National Guard troops — 
Maj. Gen. Chas. H. Muir, of Michigan, conunanding). fighting up thi 
AIRE VALLEY, on the other side of the river had "Duii In" ji?. t thli 
side o! MONTBLAINVILLE. north of VARENNES. (S» 
pages 303 ; 304; 365.) 



TRi<> NO, 4 527 

Oyfitinuf: ahead to— 
(7-70) 
AVOCOURT : With iu center here the 37th Division (Ohio Nationa 
Gu^rd troopd) plun'^f-A into hatfl'; the morning of September 
26th, 1918. CSec pagc^^ 341 and 4^i7.) 
Take the road to Eancs, and ju»t before reaching the village, turn to 
the left to— 

(7-85) 

HILL 304 : Thl'i hill ir, one of the most farnotj« point* in the Meu«e- 

Argonne Sector. ft?i iorvr-xtd «lope forrne'i a pr>rt of the jufnp 

off" line of the American Offensive that vtHtXcA Srpleml'xar 

26th, 1918. PVom the top of the hill one can readily vi^ualiice 

the line-up of the American Army whr^n the Meuwe- Argonne 

Offenaive fje^'-»n. 

Thi« position rnarb> a part of the Jump off" line of the 79th Division 

(National Army troops from Virginia, Maryland, and the District of 

Columbia, — Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn, of Kansas, cornrrxandin^.) 

Facing north ' Directly in front ia the valley of FORGES CRLEK. 

Alrnoxt in front of you, in the valley, i« the ruined t'jrwn of HAUCOURT, 

Just to the kft of thi* town, on sslightly higher ground; and »ee?ning]y 

a part of tlAUCOUFJT it*elf, is v/hat was once the tov/n of MALAN- 

COURT. The German outpozt po*/ijion» included MALANCX>URT 

v/h.He the French oulf>o«t line Included llAUCOURT. 

0»n the high ground directly north erf HAUCX)UR'r tl»erc v/a? a 
G'rman trencfi aystem, and again on the high ffcmnd ru/rth / '- ' 
there was another (M:tiiuin lint of trcncl'»es. 

The road you sec pa^«iin>f tKrrnwrh the t/>wns of HAUCOLi' 
MALANCOURT f^ad been in "No fvlan's Land" for 13 mor,t.. . .;.-. 
was completely destroyed. It had to be entirely reconstructed IMote 
any supplier could go forward to the troops ahead (two wh'- ' ' 
or before the artillery could move up to protect a furt- 
More than 40,000 sand-bags v/ere used in rebuilding tr ; ' 

Slightly to the i^/ o/ nor/// we see m the distance tr.e 
hill on which stand the ruins of MONTFAUCON. '. 
above the surrounding country, MCWTFAUCON was uUluzd lyj U^- 
GermAM as a post ol observation throughout the four ye^r? '.^ ^Vt 
war. (See pages 217 ; 238-239 ; 241; 343; 344.) Tl.c 
immediately south of the town are the BOiS de MONTFAUCO. ,. 

facing east : We see, five or six miles in the distance, a kmg narrow 
strio of woods, the lower or southern edge being acro^a the valley or 
FORGES CREEK. To the east J these woods is Ae vafley of the 
MEUSE RIVER, niatVing the eastern (right) limit of the American 
' '; when the Meuse^ Argonne OHensive began. 



528 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

Facing west : On the sky-line, stretching north and south, is seen 
the ARGONNE FOREST, through which fought the 77th Division 
(National Army troops from New York City, — Maj. Gen. Robert 
Alexander, of Maryland, commanding.) 

The western edge of the Forest marked the western (left) limit of the 
American line. Between us and the Forest can be seen VAUQUOIS 
HILL, easily distinguishable by its bald aspect. (See pages 327 ; 
329; 330; 334.) 

From the MEUSE RIVER, therefore, on the south side of the valley 
of FORGES CREEK, through the point on which wc stand ; westward 
and over VAUQUOIS HILL ; thence through the southern edge of the 
ARGONNE FOREST, runs the 'jump ofl" line of the 1st American 
Army when the advance started at daybreak the morning of September 
26th, 1918, the direction of advance being a few degrees west of north. 
(See, "Meuse-Argonne Offensive", page ^2 11.) 
Return and take the road to — 
(2-87) 
ESNES: Take the road to— 

(3-90) 
MONTZEVILLE : To the left in the distance, you can the famous 
hill of LE MORT HOMME (Dead Man's Hill), so named 
because of its resemblance to a man lying down, and not from 
any history connected with the war. However, it played a part 
well in keeping with its name, being the scene of such bloody 
encounters during the German offensives against Verdun in 1916 
that it is to day the graveyard of thousands of unburied dead 
excepting for the covering of earth thrown over them by shell- 
fire. The hill is said to be to-day some six or seven feet lower 
than it was before the war, owing to the razing effect of the 
continuous and terrific shell-fire to which it was subjected, 
(See, "Le Mort Homme", pages 518-519.) 
Continue to — 
(7-97) 
DOMBASLE : Turn to the right and continue to — 

(3-100) 
RECICOURT : Proceed straight ahead to— 

(4104) 
PAROIS : Continue to— 

(6-110) 
CLERMONT r Follow the road to— 

(17-127) 
STE. MENEHOUD : (Hotels : St. Nicolas, and H6tel de Metz. 
both on Rue Chanzy ; Hotel Terminus, Place de la Gare* 
opposite railroad station.) 



TRIP NO. 5 529 

(43-170) 
CHALONS : Stop here overnight. 

Hotels i Grand Hotel d'Angleterre, 1 , Rue de la Graviere : 
Hotel de la Cloche et du Palais, 2, Rue St. Jacques ; Hotel de 
la Haute M^re Dieu, 26, Place de la Repubiique ; Hotel 
de TEurope, 8, Faubourg St. Jacques ; Hotel du Renard, 24, 
Place de la Repubiique. Got ages i Le Grand Garage, 1, Rue 
du Faubourg de Mame (neai R.R. Station). Hauser, Place de 
la Repubiique ; Leblanc, Place Godard. 

FOURTH DAY 
(Map: Taride,No.3.) 
CHALONS r Proceed via Thibie, Etoges, Fromentiere, Vauchamps 

Montmirail*, Viels Maisons, to — 
LA FERTE-sous-JOUARRE \ (75 kilometers from Chalons.) Same 
as Trip No. 1 (reversed), pages 4%-7, through Meaux, Claye, 
Villeparisis and Pantin, to — 
PARIS : (138 kilometers from CHALONS). 

TRIP No. 5 

(4 days) 
CHATEAU THIERRY-REIMS— VERDUN-ST. MIHIEL 

(RoaJ Maps : Taride Nos. 2 and 3 ; obtainable from Souvenir Shop, 
1 1 , Rue de Castiglione, Paris.) 

FIRST DAY 
{Map : Taride No. 3.) 

PARIS : Same as Trip No. 1 , page 496, to — 
(97) ^ 

CHATEAU THIERRY : From here follow route of Trip No. 3 
(reversed), through Bezu-St. Germain, Big Bertha Emplacement^ 
Epieds, Beuvardes, Fere-en-Tardenois, Chamery, Romigny, 
Ville-en-Tardenois, to — 

SEC9ND DAY 
(Maps : Taride Nos. 2 and 3.) 
(81-178) 
REIMS : Same route as Trip No. 4, pages 510-1 1, to — 

(115) 
VERDUN : (293 kilometers from Paris.) Reaching Verdun in time 
"for lunch, the afternoon may be spent in visiting the Citadel, 
and the outlying Forts of Douaumont and Vaux. (See, Ver- 
dun", Trip No. 4.) 

* Hotels in Montmirail : Du Vert-Galant. Place du Vert-Galant 
Du Grand Conde, Rue d'Etithiery. 

34 



330 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

Spend the night in Verdun. (For list of hotels, see. Hotels' 
page 517.) 

THIRD DAY 

(Map : Taride No, 2.) 

Note, The first number in parentheses above the name of a place 

shows the distance, in kilometers, between that place and the one imme* 

diately preceding, and the second number indicates the distance of 

the place from Verdun.) 

VERDUN : Leave Verdun by the east gate, turning south and pro- 
ceeding to — 
(15) 
HAUDIOMONT : Continue straight ahead to— 

(3-18) 
MANHEULLES : Proceed to- 

(3-21) 
FRESNES-en-WOEVRE : Resting just inside the German lines 
throughout four years of the war, this town, once a beautifu 
place, is to-day silent evidence of the ravages of war. 

In the American attack that began Sept. 12th, 1918, and after 
three days* duration resulted in the reduction of the St. Mihiel 
Salient, Fresnes was taken by the 4th Division (Regular troops ; 
Maj. Gen. John L, Hines, Regular Army, of West Virginia, 
commanding.) 
(4-25) 
.MARCHEVILLE: 

(5-30) 
DONCOURT 

(2.32) 
WOEL; 
(8-40) 
ST. BENOIT : Captured Sept. 13th, 1918, by the 42nd ("Rainbow") 
Division. (National Guard troops of District of Columbia and 
26 States, — see page 1 93 for names of States, — Maj. Gen. Charles 
T. Menoher, Regular Army, of Pennsylvania, commanding.), 
(See page 196.) 

(7-47) 
PANNES : Taken by the 42nd Division the afternoon of Sept. 12th,i 
1918. (See page 195.) 
(2-49) 
ESSEY : Qptured by the 42nd Division, Sept. 12th, 1918. (S 
pages 191 ; 195.) 
(3-52) 
ST. BAUSSANT : 



-e© 



TRIP NO. 3 531 

(2-54) 
SEICHEPREY : Of the first encounters the American troops had 
with the enemy, that at Seicheprey, April 20th, 1918, was the 
most important. (See page 2.) 
(3-57) 
RICHECOURT: Captured Sept. 12th. 1918, by the 1st Division 
(Regular troops ; Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summerall, Regular 
Army, of Florida, commanding.) (See pages 162; 163; 199.) 
(4-61) 
MONT SEC : Taken by French troops cooperating with the Amer- 
icans in the reduction of the St. Mihiel Salient that began Sept. 
12th, 1918. From the high hill of Mont Sec the Germans had 
a sweeping view that commanded all the avenues of approach 
to the French lines, and nothing could be done in the movement 
of either troops or supplies by daylight without it being under 
the enemy's observation. The hill is tunneled through its 
upper surfaces and has a number of cleverly-concealed obser- 
vation posts, entered from underground passages. On the 
northwestern side (the side away from the French lines during 
the war) there are numerous underground chambers that were 
used for the shelter of troops. (See pages 168 ; 199.) 
(5-66) 
WOINVILLE : 

(1-67) 
BUXERULLES : 

(1-68) 
BUXIERES : 

(3-71) 
HEUDICOURT: 

(5-76) 
VIGNEULLES : Taken by troops of the 1 st Division September 1 3th, 
1918. Winding our way up an ascending road, we soon reach, 
situated on the top of a high hill, the quaint and interesting 
village of — 
(2-78) 
HATTONCHATEL : * 

It was here, in the early morning of September 13th, 1918, that the 
Regulars of the 1st Division met patrols of the 26th ("Yankee") Division, 
thus closing the St. Mihiel Salient. (See pages 201 and 208.) 



* Note. "Chatel" is the old French word for "Chateau". Many 
years ago a bishop named Hatton built upon this site a * Chatel" (Cha- 
teau) that was called "Hattonchatel", after which the town was 
named. 



532 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

The extent of the wonderful panoramic view to be obtained from 
this high point is unusual, and, situated, as it was, almost in the center 
of the pocket known as the St. Mihiel Salient" (the Hernia", the 
French called it), a most comprehensive idea may be obtained of the 
operations of the First American Army in the reduction of the Salient, 
Sept. 12th-15th, 1918. (See pages 152-210.) 

Traversing the length of the village to the extreme eastern end of the 
ridge, where the Chateau" stands, we see spread out before us to the 
north, the east, and the south, the expansive Plain of the Woevre. Under 
favorable atmospheric conditions the smoke-stacks of the famous 
Briey Iron Mines can be seen on the horizon in the direction of north- 
east, and it is said that on a clear day over 100 towns and villages can 
be seen from this point. 

A German observation post was erected here during the war, but it 
would be difficult to determine its usefulness, as the view from this 
position was restricted to areas occupied by their own troops. 

Facing south : We see below us to the left, at the foot of the ridge, 
the village of Hattonville, taken by the 1st American Division (Regu- 
lars) the early morning of September 13th, 1918. At the base of the 
hill, to the right, is the larger town of Vigneulles, captured also by the 
1st Division the morning of September 13th. 

The road that extends eastward (left) from Vigneulles, — a road easily 
distinguished by its two parallel rows of trees, — passes through the 
town of Thiaucourt, near which is situated the American Thiaucourt 
Cemetery, which, with its 4,300 graves, is our second largest military 
cemetery in France. From Thiaucourt the road continues to Pont- 
a-Mousson (on the Moselle River), well known in the annals of American 
operations. 

In the distance, about six miles to the south (right), can be seen, 
towering far above the surrounding country, Mont Sec, the famous 
German observatory during nearly the whole war. 

To the southeast (right), three or four miles beyond Vigneulles, you 
will see a dense wood, Bois de Nonsard. During the four years or 
more that the Germans occupied the St. Mihiel Salient, these woods 
were utilized for depots of supplies of all descriptions, and for rest 
camps having every facility (electric lights, theaters, etc.) for the comfort 
and enjoyment of troops. There was also a very large hospital with 
every modern convenience, constructed under the best building condi- 
tions, with concrete floors, sewer system, etc. Unable to remove the 
great bulk of the supplies stored in these woods, much booty fell into 
the hands of the Americans when they took the place. 

The plan of attack of the St. Mihiel Salient is given on page 163. As 
stated on the same page, the operations of the American forces may be 
likened to the action of two big Gates. One of these Gates, the right 



V 



TRIP NO. 5 533 

one (82nd, 90th, 5th, 2nd, 89th, 42nd, and I st Divisions, in order from 
hinge to outer edge), was hinged on the Moselle, above Pont-i-Mousson, 
with its outer edge near Xivray, two and a half miles southeast of 
Mont Sec. The other Gate, the left one (26th Division, and part of 
4th Division), had its hinge above Les Eparges and its outer edge at 
Mouilly. (See Map No. 2, of St. Mihiel Salient, in pocket at back 
of book.) 

While from Hattonchatel we cannot see the lines occupied by these 
two Gates at the beginning of the attack, we can, however, visualize 
in. an excellent manner the movement of the two Gates as they reached 
completion. 

Grazing by and avoiding the stronghold of Mont Sec, the right Gate, 
in its northern movement, plunged through a portion of the Bois de 
Nonsard and reached VigneuUes at 3 a.m., September 13th, the day 
following the beginning of the attack. The road leading east from 
VigneuUes to Thiaucourt, already mentioned, marks the approximate 
line reached the second day by the American forces attacking the south- 
ern face of the Salient. 

Coming from the iiest (left) along the ridge road which approaches 
Hattonchatel from that direction, the 26th Division (New England 
National Guard troops), forming part of the left Gate, swung in towards 
the village of Hattonchatel. Held up by severe resistance at the end 
of the first day's attack, one regiment of the 26th Division was formed 
on this ridge road in column of files on each side of the road, and in 
the dark of night marched five and a half miles through the German 
lines, a part of them reaching Hattonchatel about 2 o'clock a.m., Sept- 
ember 13th (1918), half an hour or so before the arrival of patrols of 
the 1 St Division (Regulars), coming from the south, thus joining hands 
and thereby forming a line across the St. Mihiel Salient and effectually 
"pinching off" all the area lying to the south and southeast, towards the 
city of St. Mihiel. 

About five miles to the northeast are seen the waters ofLakeLachausee. 
After joining hands in Hattonchatel, the line formed by the two Gates 
then moved forward in the direction of this Lake, finally September 1 5th, 
stabilizing, — part of the stabilized line passing just south of the Lake. 
(See page 171.) 

A visit to the dugouts" (caves) built by the Germans many yards 
under the Chateau" is well worth while. 

It is of interest to know that in 1814 the French agreed with the Ger- 
mans not to fortify Hattonchatel for a period of one hundred years, so 
that when the Huns overran this country in 1914, exactly one hundred 
years after this agreement was made, there were not as yet any military 
works on the ridge. However, should the Germans ever come again 



534 PILGRIMAGE S TO BATTLEFIELPg 

to this part oi the Lord's vineyard, they will probably find something 
waiting for them. 
We now retrace our route to — 
(2-80) 
VIGNEULLES : 

(17.97) 
ST. MIHIEL. Population before the war, 7.000. When the German 
advance in 1914 pushed down and captured St. Mihiel, 2,500 of 
the inhabitants still remained in the city. For this reason the 
French never bombarded St. Mihiel and the destruction of the 
city is not great, excepting in outlying sections where German 
troops were quartered. 

After taking St. Mihiel, the Germans pushed on across the 
Meuse River, capturing the town of Chauvoncourt and Fort 
du Camp des Romains. 

Hotels: RoUot Regault, 2, Rue du General Pershing. Res- 
taurants: Hotel Guidon, Rue sur Meuse; Hotel du Lion d'Or, 
Rue du General Pershing. 
From here we proceed to — 
(6-103) 
FRESNES-au-MONT. 

(8-111) 
VILLOTTE-devant-St. MIHIEL. 

(17-128) 
BAR-le-DUC : Stop for the night. 

Hotels : De Metz et du Commerce, 17j Boulevard de la 
Rochelle ; De la Gare, 13, Rue de la Gare ; De la Rochelle, 
Corner Rue de la Gare and Boulevard de la Rochelle ; Moderne, 
Boulevard de la Rochelle. Garages ; Autos Hall, 8, Boulevard 
de la Rochelle ; Humbert, Rue de la Gare ; Labeville, 36, Bou- 
levard de la Rochelle ; Vibraux, 19, Rue Jean Erran. 

FOURTH DAY 
{Maps : Taride Nos. 2, 3, and 7.) 

{Note. The first number in parentheses above the name of a place 
shows the distance, in kilometers, between that place and the one imme- 
diately preceding, and the second number indicates the distance of the 
place from Bar-le-Duc.) 
BAR-le-DUC : 

(16) (12-42) 

REVIGNY : OUTREPONT : 

(14-30) (9-51) 

HEILTZ-le-MAURUPT : VITRY-le-FRANCOIS 



TRIP NO. 6 535 

(45-96) (4-122) 

FERE-CHAMPENOISE MOEURS : 

(22-118) 
SEZANNE : Turn to the right 
as you reach the town of — 
(20-142) 
MONTMIRAIL : Hotels : Du Vert-Galant, Place du Vert-Galant. 
Du Grand Conde, Rue d'Enthiery. 
(18-160) 
VIELS MAISONS : 

(22-182) 
LA FERTE-sous-JOUARRE : Same as Trip No. 1 (reversed), pages 
496-7, through Meaux, Claye, Villeparisis and Pantin to — 
(63-245) 
PARIS: 

TRIP No. 6 
(3 days) 

CANTIGNY— SCHELDT CANAL — LE CATEAU— YPRES 

{British Front and Belgium Trip) 

{Road Maps : Taride Nos. 1 and 3 ; obtainable from SouvenirShop 
1 1 , Rue de Castiglione, Paris.) 
{Note. For meaning of numbers in parentheses, above names of places 
see Note, Trip No. 1 , page 496.) 

FIRST DAY 
(Map: Taride No. 3.) 
1 . PARJS : From La Place de I'Opera, take Rue HaleVy (to right of 
Opera House as you face it) to Rue Lafayette, tuming to right 
and continuing straight ahead (about a mile and a half) to Rut 
deflandre ; take this street to the left and continue straight ahead, 
leaving Paris through Porte de la Viilette. 
(5) Cerf, Grande Rue de la 

2. LEBOURGET: R^publique.) 

(8-13) (7-49) 

3. VAUDHERLAND: 8. FLEURINES : 

(5-18) (5-54) 

4. LOUVRES: 9. PONT: 

(10-28) (10-64) 

5. LA CHAPELLE 10. BLINCOURT 

(3-31) (5-69) 

6. PONTARME^ 11. EREUSE : 

(11-42) (7-76) 

7. SENLIS:(//ofe/: Du Grand 12. LANEUVILLE-ROY 



536 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

(2-78) (5-91) 

13. MONTIERS: 15. RUBESCOURT: 

(8-85) (5-96) 

14. TRICOT: 16. MONTDIDIER: 

(5-101) 

1 7 . CANTIGNY : Of special interest to Americans owing to the 

fact it was here, on May 28th, 1918, that an American division 
first gave battle as a divisional unit. The American soldier in 
this battle proved his equality as a fighting man with his Allied 
comrades, and Cantigny flashed electrically across the Allied 
world as a long-hoped-for presage of the enemy's doom. (See 
pages 3-9.) Return to — 
(5-106) (13-137) 

18. MONTDIDIER : 20. NESLE : (22-172) 

(18-124) (13-150) 22.ST. QUENTIN:(//ote/.• 

19. ROYE : 21 . HAM : Du Cygne). 

(Note. Four miles east of St. Quentin is the village of Homblieres* 
where at 5 o'clock a.m., November 10th, 1918, the armistice was 
signed, on the second floor of a little building, above a wine-shop — 
estammet ./ 
(12-184) 
RIQUEVAL: At this village, which was captured Sept. 29th, 1918, 
by the 30th American Division, is the southern entrance to the 
famous Scheldt, or St. Quentin, Canal Tunnel which played 
such a prominent part in the defense of the Hindenburg Line 
in this section. The tunnel, three and a half miles long, was 
built by Napoleon in 1802-1810. During the war the Germans 
used it as a place of concentration and shelter for troops. They 
built a concrete wall, a yard or more in thickness, about fifty 
yards from the entrance to the tunnel, with a door on the right 
side of the towpath and with three openings for machine guns 
which would sweep both banks of the canal to the south of the 
entrance in case of attack. Into the western baiik numerous 
dugouts were built which afforded excellent cover and protection 
to the troops defending thii part of the canal, and the crest along 
this bank was strongly defended by a large number of machine 
guns that were well placed. With their splendid sweep they 
were able to cover every foot of ground between the canal bank 
and the Allied line, not far away. 

In the canal, within the tunnel itself, a large number of barges 
were placed, fitted with electric lighting and other conveniences, 
and used as quarters for troops, providing accommodations for 
over 10,000 men. (Some reports place the accommodations 
as high as 25.000.) 



TRIP NO. 6 537 

Numerous exits to the surface of the ground had been con- 
structed, connecting the tunnel with trenches leading directly 
to the front-line trenches or demolished houses used as machine- 
gun emplacements or observation posts. 
i When the Americans and British captured the place they 
I found in the tunnel a complete refrigerating plant, an electric 
plant that provided light for the whole tunnel, and two compress- 
ed air pumps that operated pneumatic chisels used in the con- 
struction of the many exits. Along the exits and along the 
sides of the tunnel were small rooms which were apparently 
used for administrative offices. 
h The two American divisions that fought with the British 
(including Australians) between September 29th and October 
19th, 1918, were the 27th (National Guard troops of New York : 
Maj. Gen. John F^ O'Ryan, of New York commanding), and 
the 30th (National Guard troops of North Carolina, South 
Carolina, and Tennessee ; Maj. Gen. Edward M. Lewis, 
Regular Army, of Indiana, commanding.) These two divisions 
constituted the 2nd American Army Corps, commanded 
by Maj. Gen. Geo. W. Read Regular Army, of Iowa. For a 
description of the operations, see Operations from the Scheldt 
to the Sambre", in the Index. 
(M85) 
BELLICOURT : This village, which was in the center of the 30lh 
American Division sector, was a very strongly organized German 
center of resistance, but the concentrated fire of our artillery 
rendered it comparatively ineffective. It was taken by the 
30th Division, Sept. 29th, 1918. 
(5-190) 
BONY : Captured Sept. 29th, 1918, by the 27th American Division. 
Just outside of the village there is an American cemetery contain- 
ing the bodies of about 1 ,700 of our soldiers killed in the fighting 
in this section. 
(3-193) 
LE CATELET : Taken Sept. 29th, by the 1 07th Infantry (the famous 
old "Seventh Regiment" of New York City), of the 27th Division. 
(5-198) 
BEAUREVOIR : 

(2-200) 
PONCHAUX I 

(4-204) 
MONTBREHAIN : The road between this town and Ponchaux is 
the approximate front line taken over by the 30th American 
Division the night of Oct. 5-6, 1918, and from which position 



538 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

the Division attacked again ihe mcrning of Oct. 8. The general 
attack was north of east, and almost parallel to (he Nauroy-Le 
Gateau Road, with the left resting on Ponchaux and the right 
inclusive of Montbrehain. A few days later the headquarters 
of the 30th Division were established in Montbrehain. 
(3-207) 
BRANCOURT : Taken Oct. 8th, 1918, by the 30th Division. 

(4-211) 
PREMONT : Qptured Oct. 8th, 1918, by the 30th Division. About 
noon the next day a British regiment of the King's Guard Troops 
was moved by motor trucks into Premont to be held in readiness 
for use in case the situation indicated that fresh troops might 
effect a breach through the German lines. However, the enemy 
was fighting a very strong rear-guard action, and while we were 
making steady progress, it was not rapid enough to bring about 
the desired result. 
(5-216) 
MARETZ : Captured Oct. 8th, by the 30th Division. 

(4-220) 
BUSSIGNY: Taken Oct. 9th, 1918, by the 30th Division. The 
town contained about 800 civilians who gave the Americans a 
most heartv welcome. 
(4-224) 
VAUX-ANDIGNY : Captured Oct. Ilth, 1918, by the 30th Division, 
after overcoming very serious resistance which several attacks 
the day before had failed to overcome. 
(2-226) 
MOLAIN : Taken Oct. 17th, 1918, by the 27th Division. 

(5-231) 
ST. BENIN : Captured Oct. 10th, 1918, by the 30th Division. 

(3-234) 
LE GATEAU: Stop here for the night. {Hotel: Du Nord. 21, 
Grande-Place.) 

SECOND DAY 
(Maps : Taride Nos. 1 and 3.) 
(Note. The first number in parentheses above the name of a place 
shows the distance, in kilometers, between that place and the 
one immediately preceding, and the second number indicates 
the distance of the place from Le Gateau.) 

LE GATEIAU : Take main road straight to — 

(23) (25-48) 

GAMBRAI : DOUAI : 



TRIP NO. 6 539 

(32-80) 

LILLE: Population before the war, 2 1 8,000. The city was occupied 
by the Germans during the whole war, except a few weeks at 
the last. It was a great resting centre for Ger'man troops operat- 
ing against the British front, especially around Ypres. 
(20-100) 

MENIN : The Belgian frontier is crossed here. 
(18-118) 

YPRES: It was at Ypres. in 1915, that the Huns launched their 
first gas attack. It is said that the British secret service had 
received warning that such an attack would be made, but the 
English refused to take these warnings seriously, as a result of 
which they were not prepared to defend themselves against gas 
when the attack came. 

In the early part of July, 1918, the 27th and 30th American 
Divisions were transferred to the British front and assigned to 
duty in support positions in rear of the Ypres and Dickebusch 
sectors, where they were under the observation of the enemy on 
Mt. Kemmel and were subjected to much artillery fire. The 
training and experience our troops got here were excellent and 
they rapidly became veteranized. After the middle of August 
the 27th Division took over the front-line Dickebusch sector, 
from Voormezeele to a point northwest of Mt. Kemmel, and 
the 30th Division occupied the front-line sector extending from 
the southern outskirts of Ypres to Voormezeele. The British 
launched an attack August 31st, 1918, and the next day the 30th 
Division captured the village of Voormezeele. In this attack 
the 27th Division occupied the northern slopes of Mt. Kemmel. 
(See pages 456-462.) 
(5-123) 

DICKEBUSCH : (3-1 30) (8-1 38) 

(4-127) KEMMEL: MESSINES : 

LACLYTTE: (4-142) 

(18-160) WARNETON: 

LILLE : Stop for night. Hotels : Grand Hotel Bellevue, Grande 
Place and Rue Jean Roisin ; Hotel de I'Europe, 30-32, Rue 
Basse ; Royal Hotel and Restaurant, 2, Boulevard Carnot ; Hotel 
de la Paix, Rue de Paris ; Hotel Moderne, Parvis Saint- Maurice ; 
Hotel de Lyon, Place de la Gare ; Hotel de I'Univers, 19, Place 
des Regniaux, 17-21, Place des Regniaux. 

Garages : Berliet, 197, Rue Nationale ; Delesalle, 5, Rue du 
Palais Riour ; Pipe, 5, Rue de I'Orpheon ; Schneider & Co., 
3,'Rue St. Genois ; S. de Nadaillac, 1 bis. Rue de la Chambre 



540 PILGRIMAGES TO BATTLEFIELDS 

des Comptes ; Verstraete, 204, Rue Nationale ; Voyenne, 21 rue 
St. Lazare. 

THIRD DAY 

{Maps : Taride Nos. 1 and 3.) 

(Note. The first number in parentheses above the name of a place 
shows the distance, in kilometers, between that place and the one imme- 
diately preceding, and the second number indictaes the distance of the 
place from Lille.) 



LILLE : 


(10-28) 


(22-67) 


(20-133) 


(10) 


LENS: 


BAPAUME : 


NOYON^: 


SECLIN : 


(8-36)] 


(22-89) 




(8-18) 


VIMY: 


PERONNE : 




CARVIN : 


(9-45) 


(24-113) 






ARRAS: 


HAM: 





(23-156) 
COMPIEGNE : Hotas : de la Cloche, Place Hotel-de-Ville ; du 
Rond Royal, 24, Avenue Thiers ; Palace Hotel, 1 , Place du Palais. 

(32-188) 
SENLIS : Via Pontarme, La Chapelle, Louvres, Vaudherland and 
Le Bourget, to — 

(42-230) 
PARIS. 

TRIP No. 7 

(1 day) 
(From Brussels) 

AUDENARDE REGION 

(RoaJ Map: Taride No. 1.) 

{Note. The first number in parentheses above the name of a place 
shows the distance, in kilometers, between that place and the one imme- 
diately preceding, and the second number indicates the distance of the 
place from BRUSSELS. For example, OPHASSELT is 10 kilometers 
from NINOVE and 36 kilometers from BRUSSELS. Kilometers may 
be converted into miles (approximately) by multiplying by .6 — six- 
tenths.) 

BRUSSELS : (Hotels : Palace Hotel, facing Care du Nord ; Terminus 
Nord, facing Care du Nord.) Take road to — 

(26) 
NINOVE : Cross Dendre river, continuing to — 

(10-36) 
OPHASSELT : 



TRIP NO. 7 541 

(10-46) 
NEDERBRAKEL : 

(15.61) 
AUDENARDE : Taken by 9lst American Division, Nov. 2, 1918. 
The largest city, except Chateau Thierry, directly captured by 
American troops during the War. (See pages 478-9; 481.) 
Margaret of Parma v/as born here. Under the walls of this 
city the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy 
gained a decisive victory over the French in 1 708. 
(3-64) 
MOOREGEM : 

(4-68) 
WORTEGEM : Upon whose crests the 91st Division established its 
battlefront the evening of November 1st, 1918. (See page 478.) 

(8-76) 
WAEREGHEM : Marks northern limit of the sector occupied by the 
91st Division October 29th, 1918, in preparation for the attack 
of the French Army the next day. (See page 474.) There is an 
American cemetery here containing over 600 graves. 

(8-84) 
CRUYSHAUTEM : Captured by the 37th Oivisloij November 1st. 
1918. (See page 467.) 
(3-87) 
WANNEGEM : Taken by the 37th Division November ^st. 1918| 
(See page 467.) 

Take road going directly east to main Ghent (Gand) — Aude 
narde road, turning right to — 

(7-94) 
EYNE: Captured by 37th Division, November 1st, 1918. The 
division crossed the Scheldt here November 2nd. (See pages 
468, 469, 471, and 481.) 

(2-96) 
NEDER : 

(2-98) 
EENAEME : Follow road southeast to— 

(13-111) 
NEDERBRAKEL » 

(10-121) 
GRAMMONT ; 

(15-136)? -^ 
NINOVE : 1^1 

(26-162) ^ 
BRUSSELS. 



542 TRIP NO. 8 

TRIP No. 8 

(2 days) 
(From Brmsels) 

AUDENARDE AND YPRES REGIONS 

{Road Map : Taride No. 1.) 

(Note. For meaning of numbers in parentheses above names of 
places, see Note, Trip No. 7.) 

BRUSSELS : By same route as in Trip No. 7 proceed to — 

(76) 
WAEREGHEM: 

Continue northwest to Deynze-Courtrai road, turning left to — 

(16-92 
COURTRAI : Continue to 

(11-103) 
MENIN : Take road to— 

(19-122) 
YPRES: (See, "Ypres", page 539.) 

(5-127) 
DICKEBUSCH : 

(4-131) 
La CLYTTE : 

(3-134) 
KEMMEL: - 

(11-145) 
YPRES : 

(19-164) 
MENIN : 

(11-175) 
COURTRAI : Stop for night. Hotels : Royal, Place des Eperons 
d'Or ; du Damier, Grande Place. 

By same road that you came return tor- 
(16-191) 
WAEREGHEM: 

(8-199) 
CRUYSHAUTEM : Captured by the 37th Division November 1st; 
1918. (See page 467.) 
By same route as Trip No. 7 return to — 
(78-277) 
BRUSSELS. 



543 



COMMANDING GENERALS AND INSIGNIA 

OF ARMIES, AND CORPS WHICH WERE 

IN FRANCE 



(Note. All the Commanding Generals were of the 
Regular Army. After the name of each is n ted 
the State from which appointed to the Army.) 

1st army 

General John J. Pershing (Missouri). 

(Temporarily) 
Lt. General Hunter Liggett (Pennsylvania). 

Insignia : A block letter "A" of black 
cloth, four inches high, three inches 
wide. Special markings for Engineers, 
Q.M.C., Ordnance, Medical and other 
departments are prescribed, to be worn 
under the crossbar, between the two legs 
of the "A". 

2nd army 
Lt. General Robert L. Bullard (Alabama). 



Insignia : A block figure "2" divided 
into two equal color bands, red above 
and white below. 



3rd army 

Major General Joseph T. Dickman (Ohio). 
Major General E.F. McGlachlin, Jr. (Wisconsin). 
Lt. General Hunter Liggett (Pennsylvania), 





544 



CORPS IN FRANCE 




Insignia : White letter "A" cen- 
tered in a red circle 0**, ihe whole 
on a background of blue. The colors 
red, white and blue represent the 
national colors, and the A" and 
*' " stand for Army of Occupation. 



1st army corps 

Major General Hunter Liggett (Pennsylvania). 
Major General Joseph T. Dickman (Ohio). 
Major General William M. Wright (New Jersey). 



Insignia : Brown circle superim- 
posed on larger white circle. 



2nd army corps 

Major General George W. Read (Iowa). 

Insignia : An eagle and a lion 
with a Roman '11'* between 
them, in white on a blue field. 
The combination of the Ameri- 
can eagle and the British lion 
symbolizes the association of 
the Second Corps with the Brit- 
ish Army. 





3rd army CORPS 

Major General W. M. Wright (New Jersey). 
Major General Robert L. Bullard (Alabama). 
Major General John L. Hines (West Va.). 




4th and 5th corps 545 



Insignia : Three-pointed star, the 
center triangle, formed from the base 
lines, being in white, the points^in 
blue. 



4th army corps 

Major General Joseph T. Dickman (Ohio). 
Major General Charles H. Muir (Michigan). 
Major General Charles P. Summerall (Florida) 
Major GeneraLRobert L. Howze (Texas). 

(Acting temporary Comdr.) 

Insignia : A circle divided into four 
segments by diameters crossed at an 
angle of 90 degrees, the up and down 
opposed angles being in white, the 
opposed angles at the sides being in 
blue. 



5th ARMY CORPS 

Major General W. M. Wright (New Jersey). 
Major General George H. Cameron (Illinois). 
Major General Charles P. Summerall (Florida). 

Insignia : Five triangles with a 
common focus forming a regular pen- 
tagon. General officers wear gold 
triangles and piping on white back- 
ground. Corps staff officers have all 
triangles blue on white bac ground 
with gold piping. Officers of corps 
troops have lower base triangle in varied colors to 
denote arm of service; other triangles blue on 
white background, with piping in varied colors to 
show arm of service. Enlisted men wear same insignia 
as officers, but without piping, 

33 





146 



CORPS IN FkANCi 



6th army corps 

major General Omar Bundy (Indiari^JI; 
Major General Charles C. Ballou (Illinois). 
(Born in N.Y. ; appointed from III.). 

(Temporary Commaiider) 
Major General Charles T. Menoher (Penna.). 
Major General Charles H. Martin (111.). 

(Temporary Commander) 
Mkyot General Adelhert Crdfikhite (Arizona). 

(Born in N.Y. ; aj5|)dirited from Ariz.) 
Major General George Bell. Jr., (D.G.)- 
(Born in Md. ; appointed from D.C.). 

(Temporary Commander) 




Insignia : White figure **6" in 
blu6 circle two inches in diameter. 



7th army corps 

Major General W. M. Wright (New Jersey). 
Major General Omar Bundy (Indiana). 
Major General William G. Haan (Indiana). 
Major General C. H. Martin (Illinois); 
Major General Henry t. Allen (Renttieklr). 



i 




Insignia : . Pigure 
a blue shield. 



m 



white 



on 




8th and 9th corps 547 

8th army COkPS 

Major General Henry T. Allen (Kentucky). 
Major General W. H. Gordon (Loiiisiana). 
(Born in Miss. ; appointed from La.) 



Insignia : Figure p * in white on 
octagonal oackground of blue. 



9th ARMY CORPS 

Major General Adelbert Cronkhite (Arizona). 

,(Born in N. Y. ; appointed from Ariz.) 
Major General Joseph E. Kuhn (Kansas). 
Major General C. P- Sjummerall (Florida). 
Major General Henry T, Allen (Kentucky). 



Insignia : Monogram design em- 
bodying th^ Romaii numeral ."IX" 
set in circle, the design in red on a 
dark blue circular backgi'ound. 



INSIGNIA OF G. H. Q. 



The frisighla 6f the Geiieral Head- 
qiiart6i-S of tlie American Expe- 
ditidilelfy Foftfes consisted df a 
circk divided into fhl-ee hdrizontal 
barids bf ted, white» ^d blue. 





548 

BRIEF HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 
THE DIVISIONS WHICH WERE IN FRANCE 

(Note. All Division Commanders were of the Regular 
Army, except where otherwise indicated. After 
the name of each is noted the State from, which 
appointed to the Regular Army ; or, in the Case 
of non-Regulars, the Stale^frcm which appointed 
to the National Army.) 

1st DIVISION 

Insignia: Crimson figure "I" on 
khaki background. Chosen because the 
nume al *V* represents the number of 
the division. Also, as proudly claimed, 
because it was the "First Division in 
France ; first in sector ; first to fire a 
shot at the Germans ; first to attack; 
first to conduct a raid ; first to be 
raided ; first to capture prisoners ; 
first to inflict casualties ; first to suffer 
casualties ; first to be cited singly in general orders ; 
first in the number of Division, Corps and Army Com- 
manders and General Staff officers produced from its 
personnel." 

Troops ; Regular Army. 
Arrived in France : June 27th, 1917. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Wm. L. Sibert (Ala.). 
Maj. Gen. Robert L. Bullard (Ala.). 
Maj. Gen. Charles P. Summerall (Fla.)w 
Brig. Gen. F. E. Bamford (Wis J. 
Brig. Gen. Frank Parker (S.C.). 
Maj. Gen. E. F. McGlachlin, Jr. (Wis.). 
Activities : Sommerville Sector, Oct. 21 -Nov. 20/17 ; 
Ansauville Sector, Jan. 15- April 3/18 ; Cantigny Sector, 
April 25- July 7/18 ; Soissons operation, Marne counter- 
offensive, July 18-24/18; Saizerais Sector. Aug. 7-24 /I S.- 
St. Mihiel operation, Sept. 12-Sepl. 13/18; Meuse- Argon- 




2nd divisio n ^49 

ne offensive, Oct. 1-12/18 ; Operation against Mouzon, 
Nov. 5-6/18 ,• Operation south and southwest of Sedan, 
Nov. 7-8/18. 

Formed part of Army of Occupation in Germany. 
Captured : 

Prisoners, 165 officers, 6,304 men ; Artillery, 
256 pieces ; Machine guns, 413. 
Casualties : 

Officers Men 

Killed 167 2,991 

Wounded ........ 518 16,693 

Prisoners or missing 30 3,573 

715 23,257 

2nd DIVISION 

NSIGNIA : Indian head, on back - 
ground |of star and shield, with 
colors varying according to unit. 
Creation of a truck driver who 
practised on the side of his truck 
with such success that the design 
he had drawn evolved into the 
insignia of the division. 

Troops : Regular Army. 

Arrived in France : The divi- 
sion] was partly forganized inl France and partly in 
America, the units from America joining those organ- 
ized in France from time to time. 

Division Commanders x 

Major General Omar.Bundy (Ind.). 

Major General James G. Harbord (111.). 

Major General John A. Lejeune (Marine Corps ; 
La.). 
Activities : Verdun and Toul-Troyon Sectors. March 
15-May 14/18 ; Chateau Thierry Sector, May 31- 
Jidy 9/18 ; Soissons Sector, Mame counter-offensive, 
July 18- July 20/18; Marbache Sector, Aug. 9- Aug. 




550 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 

24/18 ; St. MihieJ Septpf and operation, Sept. 9-Sept« 
16/18 ; Blanc Mont Septor ar^d advance in [Champagne, 
Sept. 30-Oct.9/l8; Meuse-ArgonneSector, Oct. 3Q-Noy. 
11/18. . . ^ 

Formed part of Army of Occupation in Germany. 
Captured : 

Prisoners, 288 officers, 11,738 men; Artillery, 
401 pieces ; Machine guns, 1,360. 
Casualties : 

Officers [Men 

Killed..... 141 3,04Q 

Wounded and gas- 
sed ....... . 579 18.250 

Prifpners or missing 1 3 2,406 

733 23,696 

3rd DIVISION 
("Marne" Pivision) 

Insignia : Three white stripes diag- 
onally superimposed upon a square 
field of roya] blue. The three stripes 
are symbolic of the three major oper- 
ations in which the division parti- 
cipated — the Marne, St. Mihiel and 
tjie Mpuse-Aygpnne. The blue field 
is a sym|:|pl fqr fj^ose whq havptdied. 

Troops : Regular Army. 

Arrived in France : April 4th, 1918. 

Division Commanders : 

Maj. Cen. Joseph T. Dickrqan (Ohip). 

Maj. Ge^. Beauipont ^. puck (Te^.). 

(Born in Mississippi ; appointed from Texas) i 

Brig. Gen. Preston Brown (Ky.)- 

M^j*. Gen. Robert L. Hqw?e (Tex.). 

Activities : Chateau Thierry Sector, M§y 3 1 -July 30 / 1 8 
(battle operations, May 31-Jvine 4, and July 15 to 30) ; St. 




4th division 551 

Mihiel Sector, (Corps reserve), Sept. 10-Sept. 14/18 ; 
Meuse-Argonne offensive, Sept. 26-Oct. 27/18. 
Formed part of Army of Occupation in Germany. 
Captured ; 

Prisoners, 31 officers, 2,209 men ; Artillery, 51 
pieces ; Machine guns, 1,501. 
Casualties : 

Officers Men 

Killed 104 2,263 

Wounded 449 12,748 

Missing 10 782 

563 15,793 




4th DIVISION 
("Ivy" Division) 

Insiqnia : Four green leaves o{ 
ivy (derived from "IV") siiperim-r 
posed upon a diamond of olive 
drab. The four leaves represent 
th? nuipber pf ^he division. 
Troops : Regular Arjny. 
Arrived in France : May 1 7th, 1 9 1 8. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. George H. Cameron (III.). 
Brig. Gen. Benjamin W. Poore (Mass.). 

(Bom in Alabama ; appointed from Mass.) 
Maj. Gen. John L. Hines (W. Va.). 
Maj. Gen. Mark L. Hersey (Me.). 
Activities : Marne counter-offensive (brigaded with 6th 
French Army), July 18-21 /18 ; Vesle Sector (almost con- 
tinuous heavy fighting), Aug. 2-12/18 ; St. Mihiel offen- 
sive, Sept. 12-Sept. 15/18^' Meuse-Argonne ofl^ensive, 
Sept. 25-Oct. 19/18. 

Formed part o Army of Occupation in Germany. 
Captured : 

Prisoners, 72 officers, 2,684 men ; Artillery, 44 
pieces ; Machine guns, 31. 




352 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 

Casualties : Officers Men 

Killed 82 1,365 

Wounded 404 9,633 

Missing 6 1,438 

492 12,456 

5th DIVISION 
Insignia : Red diamond, — the ace of 
diamonds". 

Troops : Regular Army. 

Arrived in France: May 1, 1918. 

Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. J. E. McMahon (N.Y.). 
Maj. Gen. Hanson E. Ely (Iowa). 
Activities : Vosges Sector, June 15- July 18/18 ; Fra- 
pelle operation, July 19- Aug. 23/18 ; St. Mihiel operation, 
Sept. 12-17/18; Meuse-Argonne offensive, Oct. 12- 
22/18, and (second time in) Oct. 27-Nov. 11/18. 

Formed part of Army of Occupation in Germany. 
Captured : 

Prisoners, 48 officers, 2,308 men ,* Artillery, 93 
pieces ; Machine guns, 802. 
Casualties : Officers Men 

Killed 62 1,222 

Wounded 278 4,546 

Missing 3 589 

343 "6,357 

6th DIVISION 

Insignia: Six-pointed star of red cloth 

with blue figure 6" superimposed. 

Troops : Regular Army. 
^^ Arrived IN France : July 23, 1918. 
0^HL Division Commanders : 

Brig. Gen. James B. Erwin (Ga.). 
Major Gen. Walter H. Gordon (La.). 
(Born in Mississippi ; appointed 
from La.) 




7th and 8th DiVisioNS 553 

Activities: Gerardmer Sector, Sept. 3-Oct. 13/18; 

Meuse-Argonne offensive (1st ArmyliCorpsitReserve), 

Nov. M 1/18. 

Captured : Prisoners, 12 men ; Machine guns, 3. 

Casualties : 

Ofjicers Men 

Killed 5 54 

Wounded and gassed . 10 255 

Taken prisoner 5 

15. 314 

7th DIVISION 

Insignia ; Two triangles in black 
on red base. Design supposed to 
have developed out of the numeral 
seven, one numeral up and the 
other down reversed, making two 
triangles. 

Troops ; Regular Army. 

Arrived in France : August 11,1918. 
Division Commanders : 

Brig. Gen. C. H. Barth (Kans.). 

j^ '(Bom in Iowa ; appointed from Kansas). 

Maj. Gen. Edmund Wittenmeyer (Ohio). 
Activities : Puvenelle Sector, Lorraine, Oct. 9-29/18 ; 
Puvenelle Sector extended, Oct. 29-Nov. 1 1 /1 8 (Operations 

West of the Moselle). 
Captured : Prisoners, 68 men. 
Casualties : Officers Men 

Killed and died of 

wounds 9 260 

8th DIVISION 
Insignia : As far as known the Division had no insignia. 
Troops : Regular Army. 

Only Division Headquarters, the Artillery Brigade, 
the Headquarters of one Infantry Brigade (16th), one 





554 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 

Infantry regiment (8th), and one Engineer regiment andl 
train (319th), ever reached France, arriving at Brest two 
or three days before the signing of the Armistice. 

26TR DIVISION 
("Yankee" Division) 

Insignia : Dark blue "YD" monogram 
superiniposed on diamond of kh^ki cloth. 
The initials represent the nickname, 
Yankee Division", that was given the 
Division after its arrival in France. 

Troops : National Guard of New 
England States (Massachusetts, Connec- 
ticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine 
and Rhode Island.) 
Arrived in France: October 17, 1917. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Clarence R. Edwards (Ohio). 
Brig. Gen. Frank E. Bamford (Wis.). 
Maj. Gen. H. C. Hale (111.). 

In conimand Dec. 30, 19)8. 
Activities : Chemin des Dames Sector (north of Soi^- 
sons), Feb. 6-March 21 /18 ; La Reine and Bc^ycq Sector 
(north of Toul), Apr, 3- June 28/1^; Pas Finj Sector (north- 
west of Chateiau Thjerry), July IQ-July 25/18 (battle ope- 
rations) July 18-25/lSI ; Rqpt and Royop Seci^Qf (nprth 
of St. Mihiel), Sept. 8-Oct. 8/18 ; (St. Mihiel Qper^tion. 
Sept. 12-14/18) ; Neptune Sector (north €)f Verdun), Qct, 
18-Nov. 14/18 (Meuse-Argonne oftensive, Oct. 25-Nov. 
11/18.) 
Captured : Prisoners, 61 officers, 3,Q87 men ; Artillery, 

31 pieces ,* Machine guns, l|2. 
Casualties : Officers Men 

Killed 78 1,652 

Wounded an4 gassed. 3,24 9,482 

Missing ........... 10 273 

Captured 9 127 

421. 11.534 



27th Diyi^ipjf 



555 




27th DIVISION 

Insignia : Black circle with red 
border, with monogram "NYD" 
^ (N^w York Division) superimposed, 

^uQ j ^^^ seven red stars. The stars re- 
fc^^ / present the constellation Orion, and 
were chosen in honor of the Division 
Commander, Major General 0*Ryan» 
who had commanded the old New 
York Division for about seven years before it came to France 

Troops : Formed complete from the old New York Na- 
tional Guard Diyisioi^. 

Arrived in France : May IQ, 1918. 

Division Commander : 

Maj. Gen. John F. O'Ryan, of the New York 
National Guard, commanded the Diviision 
from the date of its organizatipn to the time 
of its demobilization. 

Activities : East Poperinghe Line, Belgium (four battair 
ions at a time), July 9-Sept. 3/18; Dickebusch Sector, 
Belgium (near Mt. Kemmel), Aug. 24-Sept. 3/18 (opera- 
tion of Vierstraet Ridge, Aug. 31 -Sept. 2/18) ; Hindenburg 
Line, France, Sept. 24-Qct. 1/18 (operation at Canal Tun- 
nel near Gouy, Bellicourt and east, Sept. 24-Oct. 1/18); 
St. Souplet Sector, France, Oct. 12-21/18 (battles of La 
Selle River, Oct. 17, and Jonc de Mer Ridge, Oct. 18; oper- 
ation of St. Maurice River, Oct. 19-21 /1 8.) 

Captured ? Prisoners, 65 officers, 2,292 men ; Artillery, 
28 pieces ; Machine guns, 307. 

Casualties : Officers Men 

Killed , ^64 1.519 

Wounded an4 gassed . 184 5,958 

Missing .:...:..... 3 347 

Captured .:... _2 1)5 

253 7,939 



556 



HISTORICAL SkEtCH^S 




28th DIVISION 

Insignia : Keystone of red cloth, 
symbolizing the "Keystone State", 
Pennsylvania. 

Troops j Pennsylvania National 
Guard, the Division having been 
formed complete from the old 7th 
Division, Pennsylvania National 
Guard. 

Arrived in France : May 18, 1918. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Charles H. Muir (Mich.). 

Maj. Gen. Wm. H. Hay (Fla.). 
Activities : Sector southeast of Chateau Thierry (corps 
reserve), June 30- July 31/18 (battle operations, July 15 to 
18, and July 28 to 30); Vesle Sector. Aug. 7-Sept. 8/18 
(almost continuous heavy fighting) ; Meuse-Argonne 
offensive, Sept. 26-Oct, 9/18; Thiaucourt Sector, Oct. 
16-Nov. 11/18. 

Captured : Prisoners, 10 officers, 91 ! men ; Artillery, 

16 pieces ; Machine guns, 63. 

Casualties : Officers Men 

Killed 89 1,777 

Wounded 346 11,068 

Missing 16 1,121 

451 13.966 



29th DIVISION 

Insignia : Design copied from 
the Korean symbol of good 
luck. Colors : blue and gray, 
symbolizing union in arms of 
the North and South. 

Troops: National Guard of Mary- 
land, New Jersey, Delaware, Vir- 
ginia, and District of Columbia., 




30th division 557 



Arrived in France : June 27, 1918. 
Division Commander : 

Maj. Gen. Charles G. Morton (Mass.). 
(Born in Maine ,* appointed from Mass.) 
Activities : Center Sector, Haute Alsace, July 25-Sept. 
22/18 ; Grand Montague Sector, north of Verdun, 
Oct. 7-30/18 (Meuse-Argonne offensive,) 
Captured : Prisoners, 2,187 officers and men ,* Artillery, 
21 pieces ; Machine guns, 250. 
Casualties : 

Officers Men 

Killed 26 652 

Wounded and gassed. 1 17 4,641 

Missing and captured. 534 

143 5,827 

30th DIVISION 

Insignia : Monogram in blue, the 
letter "O" surrounding the letter **H" 
with three X*s" (Roman numerals for 
30) forming the crossbar [of the^ letter 
**H", all on a maroon background. 
The design is a tribute to Andrew 
Jackson, "Old Hickory". 

Troops : National Guard of North 

Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. 
Arrived in France : May 24, 1918. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Geo. W. Read (Iowa). 

Brig. Gen. Samson L. Faison (N. C). 

Maj. Gen. Edward M. Lewis (Ind.). 
Activities : Canal Sector, south of Ypres (brigaded with 
British), July 16- Aug. 17/18; Canal Sector, south of 
Ypres (under own command), Aug. 17-Sept. 4/18 : Gouy- 
Naurey Sector (front line east of Hargicourt), Sept. 23- 
Oct. 2/18 (battle operations) ; Beaurevoir Sector, (front 
line at Montbrehain), Oct. 5-12/18 (battle operations) ; 




558 Hlsf^felCAL SKETCHES 

Le Cateau Sector (wiest of St. Sduplet alrid sbiith df Vitix- 

Andigny), OctJ6-20/18(battle dp^r^tiohs.) 

Captured : Prisotiei-s, 9o officei-s, 3,750 meri ; Artillery, 

81 pieces ; Mitchinfe gtitts, 426. 

Casualties : Offl&rs Mm 

Killed 53 1,130 

Wounded dnd gassed 1 25 5,335 

Gaptu^^d I ll 

Missing 2 201 

181 6,693 

3Jst DIVISION 
(National Guard of Georgia, Fldfida, dnd AMbeCma.) 

Insignia : As far as known the Division had no insignia. 
Date of arrival in France ; Activities, etc. : Owing 
to the fact that when, because of circumstances, it was 
necessary to complete the manuscript of this book no data 
regarding the date of arrival in France of the Division, its 
atctivitiesi etc., werfe available, it was impossible to cover 
these points in the .present edition. Howeveir, as far as 
can be. ascertained, the Division was used iot replacettients, 
and those of its .members who saw action did lo as 
replacements in dther divisions. 

UtiA t)ivisio»f>i 

IMsfcNlA :' Barrej arrow of red, choker 

bfefcduse they **sh6i through every Kric 

the' Bbche {)ut before' Ih^fh.'* . 

Troops : National Gdard of Michigsfr 

and Wiscbhsin. 

AteVED IN FiiAi^lcg: Febhiarjr 20-22, 191® 

DivlsioN C6MUki>imks : 
Brig. Gen; Charles R. Bdardmari (Natloria 

Giiafd of Wistoiisin) . 

Maj. Geri. Wffl. G. Haan (liid;): 
MMj. Gen. Wrii. Us§itei- (Va.). 
A^mviTiES : Alsace front, MSy 18-Jiily 21 /ife ; Fi§me 
front, in front line Jul^ 30- Aug. 7/18, and in fekr^fe Aiii 




33rd division 559 



7- Aug. 23/18 ; Soissohs front, in front line Au^. 28-Sept. 
2/18 (battle of Juvigny), and in reserve Sept. 2-Sept. 
9/18 ; Meuse-Argonne Offensive, in reserve Sept. 22- 
30/18, in frontline Sept. 30-Oct. 20/18, and in reserve 
Oct. 20-Nov. 8/18. 

Formed part^of the Army of Occupation in Germany. 
Captured : Prisoners, 40 officers,i2, 1 1 3 men ; Artillery. 
21 pieces, Machine gunsi 190. 

Casualties : Officers Men 

Killed 94 1,938 

Wpupded 356 11,364 

Missing of caDtufed. . . 13 1,093 

463 14,395 

33rd DIVISION 
("Prairie" Division) 

I INSIGNIA : Yellow crosi on black 
circle, a combination of the divi- 
sional colors. Yellow was chosen 
bfecause it was the only color <jf 
paint available in Texas when the 
division was assembling its equip- 
ment. The crpsSi long Used by 
some to mark Government prop- 
erty> was said tolhave a terrifying 

effect on the natives in |the PhilippirieSi 

Arrived in Finance : May 24„ 1918. 

Troops : National Guard of Illinois. 

Division Commander: 

Maj. Gen. George B^I, Jr., (D.C.). 
(Born in Maryland ; appointed from District 
of Columbia) 

AcTiviTlfes : Amiens Sectbl- (with Australians) July 21- 

Aug. 18/18; Verdiiri Sectof, Sept. 9-Sept. 25/18; 

Mfeuse-Afgofirte Offdrisive, Sept. 26-Oct. 17/18; St. Mi- 

hiel Sector, Not. 7-1 1/18. 

GAPTtJRED : Prisdnefs, 65 officers, 3.922 men ; Artillery, 
93 pieeei ; Mathirie guns, 414. 




560 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



Casualties : 

Killed .. 




Officers 
24 
. 155 
1 


Men 

591 


Wounded 
Missing or 


captured. . 


6,937 
12 




180 7,540 

34th DIVISION 
^ ("Sandstorm** Division) 
Insignia : Black oval, convention- 
alizing the Mexican olla or water- 
flask, encircling a red bovine skull. 
The whole design is reminiscent of 
the Camp Cody country in New Mexico 
where the division trained. ! 
Troops: National Guard of Iowa, Min- 
nesota, Nebraska, and North Dakota. 
Division Commanders ; 

Brig. Gen. John A. Johnston (Civil life ; D.C.). 
Maj. Gen. Beaumont B. Buck (Tex.). 
(Bom in Miss. ; appointed from Tex.) 
Brig. Gen. John S. Johnston (Ind.). 
Date of arrival in France ; Activities, etc. : Owing 
to the fact that when» because of circumstances, it was 
necessary to complete the manuscript of this book no data 
regarding the jdate of arrival in France of the Division, its 
activities, etc., were available, it was impossible to cover 
these points in the present edition. However, as far as 
can be ascertained, the Division was used for replacements, 
and those of its members who saw action did so as 
replacements in other divisions. 

35th DIVISION 

^^Pl^^ Insignia : Santa Fe cross within 

(^^^^^% two circles of varying colors, the outer 

^fl ^^k % one divided into four arcs. The 

iUtm VBb M design was chosen because \he old 

^gk flV m Santa Fe trail started westward from 

^Hh^J^ a point near the Missouri-Kansas 

^^^^^^ line, the two States from which came 

^^^1^^ the troops composing the division 






36th division 561 

Troops : National Guard of Missouri and Kansas. 
Arrived in France: May 11, 1918. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Wm. M, Wright (NJ.). 

Brig. Gen. Nathaniel F. McClure (Ky.). 

Maj. Gen. Peter E. Traub (N. Y.). 

Brig. Gen. Thomas B. Dugan (Md.). 
Activities : North se tor of Wesseriing Sector, Vosges 
(one brigade), July 1-27/18 ,• North sector of Wesseriing 
Sector, Vosges, with Garibaldi Sub-sector (under division 
command), July 27- Aug. 14/18 ; Gerardmer south Sub- 
sector added, Aug. 14-Sept. 2/18; Meuse-Argonne OfFen- 
sive Sept. 21 -Oct. 1 / 1 8 ; Somme-Dieue Sector, Oct. 15- 
Nov.7/18. 

Captured ; Prisoners, 13 officers, 768 men ; Artillery, 
23 pieces ; Machine guns, 85. 

Casualties ; Officers Mm 

Killed 26 594 

Wounded 213 [6.402 

Missing 6 ^- 512 

245 7,508 

36th DIVISION 

Insignia ; Cobalt blue arrowhead 
with a khaki "T** superimposed upon 
a khaki disc. The arrowhead repre- 
sents Oklahoma and the "T" Texas. 

Troops : National Guard of Texas 
and Oklahoma. 

Arrived IN France : July 31, 1918. 

Division Commander: Maj. Gen .W.R.Smith (Tenn.). 
Activities : Blanc Mont sector, north of Somme-Py, 
Oct. 6-28 (French Champagne offensive.) 
Captured : Prisoners, 18 officers, 531 men ; Artillery, 

9 pieces ; Machine guns, 294. 
Casualties : Not obtainable by authors. 




36 




562 HISTORICAL SKETCHES ^ 

37th DIVISION 
("Buckeye" Division) 

Insignia : Red circle with white 
border. Design adapted from the 
State flag of Ohio. 

Troops: National Guard of Qhio. 
Arrived in France : June 23, 1 9 1 8. 
Division Commander : 

Maj. Gen. C.S. Farnsworth (Pa.). 
Activities : Baccarat Sector, Aug. 
4-Sept. 16/18; Meuse-Argonne 
Offensive, Sept. 26-Oct. 1 /18; Pannes' (St. Mihiel Sector). 
Oct. 7-16/18 J Lysand Escaut rivers, Belgium (Flanders), 
Oct. 31 -Nov. 4/18; Synghem Sector, Nov. 9-1 1 /18. 
Captured : Prisoners, 26 officers, 1 ,469 men ; Artillery 

29 pieces ; Machine guns, 263. 
Casualties : Officers Min 

Killed.. 22 792 

Wounded or gassed ... 86 3,649 

Mis.ing — 113 

Captured — 7 

108 4,561 

38th DIVISION 
(" Cyclone " Division) 

Insignia : Shield, left half blue, 
right half red. Superimposed in 
center of shield is the initial C" 
with the letter "Y" interlaced with 
Idwer half of the C", both in 
white. The letters "C Y" stand 
for "Cyclone**, thefdivision being 
known as the " Cyclone Division ", 
indicating its cyclonic, itresistible power, and re- 
calling the fact that the division was organized in the 
Mississippi cyclone ir^ioil (Caihp Shelby, near Hatties- 
burg. Miss.) 




39tH AND 40rH bivisiONs 563 

Troops : National Guard of Kentucky, Indiana, and 

West Virginia. 

Arrived in France : Oct. 19^ 1918. 

Di /isioN Commander : 

Maj. Gen. Robert L. Howze (Tex.). 
Activities : One of the replacement divisions, and its 
members saw action as replacements in other divisions. 

39th DIVISION 

(National Guard of Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana). 

Insignia : As far as known the Division had no insigRyt. 
Date of arrival in France ; Activities^ etc. : Owing w 
the fact that when, because of circumstances, it was neces* 
sary to complete the manuscript of this b ok no da'a 
regarding the date of arrival in France of the Division, its 
activities, etc., were available, it was impossible to cover 
these points in the present edition* However, as far as 
can be ascertained, the Division was used for replacements, 
and those of its members who saw action did so as replace- 
ments in other divisiohSi. 

40th DIVISION 
(The "Sunshine" Division) 

Insignia : Blue patch of cloth with 
gold sun superimposed in center (re- 
presentation of the sun at midday in 
blue sky.) The insignia and name. 
Sunshine Division", were selected 
as best exemplifying the climatic 
conditions of the camp in which the 
Division trained (Camp Kearny, near 
Linda Vista, Calif.). 

Troop's : National Guard of California, Utah, Colorado, 

Arizona, and New Mexico. 
Arrived in France : Aug. 2Q, 1918. 
Division Commander : 

Maj. Gen. F. S. Strong (Mich ). 




564 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 




Activities : One of the replacement divisions, and its 
members saw action as replacements in other divisions. 

41st DIVISION 
("Sunset" Division) 

Insignia : Setting sun in gold on 
red background over a wavy blue 
stripe representing the waters 
of the Pac-fic in the foreground. 
Troops : National Guard of 
Washington, Oregon, Montana, 
Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colo- 
rado, New Mexico, and District of Columbia. 
Arrived in France : January 1, 1918. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Hunter Liggett (Pa.)- 

Brig. Gen. George Le R. Irwin (111.). 

(Born in Michigan ; appointed from Illinois) 

Brig. Gen. Richard Coulter, Jr. 

Brig. Gen. Robert Alexander (Md.). 

Brig. Gen. Wm. S. Scott (Tex.). 

Brig. Gen. Eli K. Cole (Marine Corps ; N. Y.). 
Activities : First Depot Division ; became a replace- 
ment division and its members saw action as replacements 
in other divisions. 

^ 42nd DIVISION 
("Rainbow" Division) 

Insignia : Parti-colored qua- 
drant, suggesting the arc of a 
rainbow, after "Rainbow"| Divi- 
sion. 

Troops : National Guard of 
the District of Columbia and 26 
States, — Alabama, California, 
Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, 
Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, 
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, 
Nhort Carohna, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, 




- 76th division 565 

South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin. 
Arrived in France: November I, 1917. 
Division Commanders : 

Mai. Gen. Wm. A. Mann (Pa.). 

Maj. Gen. Charles T. Menoher, (Pa.). 

Brig. Gen. Douglas MacArthur (Wis.). 

(Born in Arkansas ; appointed from Wisconsin). 
Maj. Gen. C. A. F. Flagler (Iowa). 

(Bom in Georgia ; appointed from Iowa) 
Activities ; Dombasle- Luneville - St. Clement - Bacca- 
rat Sector. Feb. 21 -March 23/18 (under the French 8th 
Army and 7th Army Corps) ; Baccarat Sector, March 18- 
June 21 /18 ; Souain'^and Esperance Sector, July 5-17/18 
(German offensive east of Reims, July 15-16/18); Trugny 
and Beauvardes, July 25-Aug. 3/18 (front of 4th Army 
Corps on Ourcq) ; Ansauville, Essey and Bois do Pannes 
(St. Mihiel Salient). Sept. 12-30/18; south of St. Georges- 
Landres-et-St. Georges-Cote de Chatillon, Oct. 13-31 /18 
(Meuse-Argonne offensive) ; Autruche, Grandes Armoises 
and Maisoncelle, south of Sedan, Nov. 5-10/18 (Meuse- 
Argonne offensive.) 

Formed part of Army of Occupation in Germany. 
Captured : Prisoners, 1 4 officers, 1 ,303 men ; Artillery^ 
25 pieces ; Machine guns, 470. 
Casualties : Off ken Men 

Killed 85 2,355 

Wounded 293 9,950 

Missing ^ 3 320 

381 12.625 

76th DIVISION 
(National Army troops from Maine, New Hampshire. 
Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut)* 

Insignia : As far as known the Division had no insignia. 
Date of arrival in France ; Activities, etc. : Owing to the 
fact that when, because of circumstances, it was necessary 
to complete the manuscript of this book no data regarding 
the date of arrival in France of the Division, its activities. 



566 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 

etc., were available, it was impossible to covey these points 
In the present edition. However, as far as can be ascer- 
tained, the Division was used for replacements, and those 
of its members who saw action did so as repla,cements in 
other divisions. 

77th DIVISION 
("Liberty" Division) 

Insignia : Golden fac-simile of the 
Statue of Liberty on blue background. 

Troops : National Army of New 
York City. 

i.'i l^^H 

Arrived in France : April 13, 1918. 

Division Commanders : 

Brig. Gen. Evan M. Johnson (N.Y.). 
Maj. Gen. George B. Duncan (Ky.). 
Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander (Md.). 

(Note. The late Major General J. Franklin Bell, Re- 
gular Army, of Kentucky, was the first comman- 
der of the Division, and it was under him that the 
Division was organized and trained at Camp 
Upton, N.Y.) 
Activities : Baccarat Sector, June 20- Aug. 4/18 ; Fis- 
mes-Bazoches Sector, Vesle Front, Aug. 12-Sept. 16/18; 
La Harazee-Four de Paris-La Fille Morte Line, Sept. 26- 
Oct. 16/18 (Meuse-Argonne OfiFensive); Champigneulles 
line. Aire- Meuse, Oct. 31- Nov. 12/18 (Meuse-Argonne 
Offensive.) 

Captured : Prisoners, 13 officers, 737 men ; Artillery, 
44 pieces ; Machine guns, 277. 
Casualties : 

Officers Men 

Killed 79 2,087 

Wounded 222 7,680 

Missing 16 727 

317 10.494 




78th and 79th divisions 



567 




78th DIVISION 
("Lightning" Division) 

Insignia : Crimson semi-circle 
crossed by a white streak of light- 
ning which begins at upper right 
hand side of insignia and crosses 
to the lower left hand corner. The 
colors, crimson and white, are those of the divi- 
sion: the lightning is symbolic of "Lightning Division", 
the name adopted by the division before leaving the States, 
Troops : National Army of New York, New Jersey and 

Delaware. 
Arrived in France : June 8, 1918. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. James H. McRae (Ga.). 
Brig. Gen. James T. Dean (Ohio). 
Activities : Limey Sector (St. Mihiel front), Sept. 16- 
Oct. 4/18; Grand Pre-St. Juvin Sector, Oct. 1 6-Nov. 5 1 8 
(Meuse-Argonne Offensive.) 
Captured : Prisoners, 6 officers, 572 men'^; Artillery, 

4 pieces ; Machine guns, 43. 
Casualties : Officers Men 

Killed 32 1,067 

Wounded 207 7,489 

Missing 5 367 



244 
79th DIVISION 



8,923 




Insignia : Lorraine Cross, adopted 
in the 15th Century by" the House of 
Anjou, following the defeat of Char- 
les the Bold, as a symbol of triumph. 
It is the outward symbol wherein is 
centered the affectionate and zealous 
love of a nation for liberty, justice and 
deefrom. 



568 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 

Troops : National Army of District of Columbia, Mary- 
land, and Pennsylvania. 

Arrived in France : July 15, 1918. 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Kuhn (Kans.). 

Brig. Gen. Evan M. Johnson (N.Y.). 

Activities : Sector 304 (between Argonne Forest and 
the Meuse), Sept. 16-Sept. 30/18 ; Troyon Sector (east of 
the Meuse), Oct. 8-Oct. 23/18 ; Grand Montaigne Sector 
(heights east of the Meuse),Oct. 29-Nov. 1 1 /18. 

Captured : Prisoners, 1 officer, 391 men ; Artillery, 35 
pieces ; Machine guns, 266. 

Casualties : 

Officers Men 

Killed 10 453 

Wounded 52 1,722 

Missing 2 461 

64 2,636 




-^^ 



80th DIVISION 

Insignia : Shield of olive drab 
cloth upon which is superimposed 
in center three blue hills, repre- 
senting the Blue Ridge mountains, 
all outlined in white. 

Troops : National Army of 
Virginia, West Virginia, and Penn- 
sylvania. 

May 30, 1918. 



Arrived in France 

Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Adelbert Cronkhite (Ariz.). 

(Born in New York ; appointed from Arizona) 

Maj. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis (Dak.). 

(Born in Missouri ; appointed from Dakota) 



81st division 369 

Activities : Artois Sector, between Aveully Woods and 
Arras, July 23- Aug. 18/18 (under British) ; St. Mihiel 
Salient operation, Sept. 12-13 (in reserve during operation 
for reduction of Salient, except 320th Infantry and 315th 
Machine gun Battalion, which were attached to the 11 
French Colonial Corps and took part in the operations) ; 
Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Bethincburt Sector, Sept. 25- 
29 / 1 8 ; Nantillois Sector, Oct. 4- 1 2 / 1 8 ; and along St. Geor- 
ges-St. Juvin line, Oct. 29-Nov. 6/18. 
Captured : Prisoners, 103 officers, 1,710 men ; Artillery, 
3 1 pieces ; Machine guns, 606. 
Casualties : 

Officers Men 

Killed 40 786 

Wounded 168 4,828 

Missing 4 346 

212 5,960 

81st DIVISION 
("Wildcat'* Division) 

Insignia : Wildcat of varying 
color. Selected in the belief that 
the Division could ' emulate it in 
its fighting qualities." 
Troops : National Army of North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, 
and Porto Rico. 

Arrived in France : Auust 1 6,g 
1918. 
Division Commander : 

Maj. Gen. Charles J. Bailey (N.Y.). 

(Born in Pennsylvania ; appointed from New 
York) 
Activities : East of St, Die and Raon 1 Etape Sector, 
Vosges, Sept. 18-Oct. 19/18 (brigaded with 20th French 
Division) ; Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Nov. 7-11/18. 
Captured : (No data available to authors.) 




570 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



Casualties : 

Officers 

Killed 13 


Men 
177 


Wounded or gassed . . 33 

Missing , . . . , 1 

Captured — 


758 
45 

2 


47 


982 


82nd DIVISION 




("All-American** Division) 






Insignia : "AA" in gold braid upon 
circle of solid blue, the whole super- 
imposed on square background of red. 
The "AA" stands for "All- Ameri- 
can", the name chosen for the divi- 
sion, with the further later signifi- 
cance, "Ail-Aboard". 



Troops : National Army of Georgia, Alabama, and 
Tennessee. 

Arrived in France ; About May 17, 1918. 

D I VIS ON Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Wm. P. Burnham (Pa.). 

Maj. Gen. George B, Duncan (Ky.). 

ACTIV TIES : Lagny Sector, June 25-Aug. 10/18 (bri- 
gaded with 154th French Division) ; Marbache Sector,,' 
Aug. 17-Sept. 1 1 /1 8; St. Mihiel operation, Sept. 12-15/18;; 
Baulney and Charpentry, Fleville and Chehery, and Che- 
hery and La Viergette Sectors, Sept. 30-Oct. 31 /18 (Meu- 
se-Argonne Offensive.) 

Captured : Prisoners, 18 officers, 827 men ; Artillery, 
1 1 pieces ; Machine guns, 311. 

Casualties : (No data available to authors.) 







83rd and 84th divisions 571 



83rd DIVISION 

Insignia : Although an illus- 
tration of the insignia was pub- 
lished by G. H. Q., A. E. F., no 
description of it, including the 
significance of the viarious parts, 
was available in France when the 
manuscript of this book was 
prepared. 

Troops : National Army of 
Ohio and West Virginia. 

Date of arrival in France ,• Activities, etc. : Owing to the 
f^ct that when, because of circumstances, it was necessary 
to complete the manuscript of this book no data regarding 
the date of arrival in France of the Division, its activities, 
etc., were available, it was impossible to cover these points 
in the present edition. However, as far as can be ascer- 
tained, the Division was used for replacements, and those 
of its members who saw action did so as replacements in 
other divisions. 

84th DIVISION 

Insignia : As far as known the Division had no 
insignia. 

Troops : National Army of Kentucky and Indiana. 

Date of arrival in France ; Activities, etc. : Owing to the 
fact that when, because of circumstances, it was necessary 
to complete the manuscript of this book no data regarding 
the date of arrival in France of the Division, its activities, 
etc., were available, it was impossible to cover these points 
in the present edition. However, as far as can be ascer- 
tained, the Division was used for replacements, and those 
of its members who saw action did so as replacements in 
other divisions. 



572 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES 




85th DIVISION 

Insignia : Although an illustration 
of the insignia was published by 
G.H.Q., A.E.F., no description of 
it, including the significance of the 
various parts, was available in France 
when the manuscript of this book was 
prepared. 

Troops : National Army of Michi- 
gan and Wisconsin. 

Date of arrival in France ; Activities, etc. : Owing to the 
fact that when, because of circumstances, it was necessary 
to complete the manuscript of this book no data regarding 
the date of arrival in France of the Division, its activi- 
ties, etc., were available, it was impossible to cover these 
points in the present edition. However, as far as can be 
ascertained, the Division was used for replacements, and 
those of its members who saw action did so as replacements 
in other divisions. 

86th [DIVISION 

Insignia : Although an illustration! 
of the insignia was published byi' 
G. H. Q., A. E. F., no description ofl 
it, including the significance of the 
various parts, was available in France 
when the manuscript of this book was 
prepared. 

Troops : National Army of Illinois, 

Date of arrival in' France,- Activities, etc. : Owing to the 
fact that when, because of circumstances, it was necessary 
to complete the manuscript of this book no data regarding 
the date of arrival in France of the Division, its activi 
ties, etc., were available, it was impossible to cover thes( 
points in the present edition. However, as far as can b 
ascertained the Division was used for replacements, an< 





87th and 88th divisions 573 

those of its members who saw action did so as replacements 
in other divisions. 

87th DIVISION 

Insignia : Patch of greenf cloth in 
form of circle, flattened at top for 
sewing into shoulder seam, with acorn 
in center. Insignia selected because 
it is suggestive of a mighty tree, 
''stalwart and strong". 

Troops : National Army of Missis- 
sippi, Louisiana and Arkansas. 
Arrived in France : September 14, 1918, 
Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Samuel D. Sturgis (Dak.). 

(Born in Missouri ; appointed from Dakota) 
Brig. Gen. Wm. F. Martin (Ohio). 
Activities : Engaged in construction work at Ponts- 
Saints ; en route to front when Armistice was signed. 

88th DIVISION 

Insignia : Design of black evolved 
from two figures *8" crossing at right 
angles and giving the appearance of 
a Maltese cross made of loops or a 
four leaf clover, a common symbol 
of the four States, Iowa, Minnesota, 
Illinois and North Dakota, colors 
varying. 

Troops : National Army of North Dakota, Minnesota, 

Iowa, and Illinois. 

Arrived in France : August 16, 1918. 

Division Commanders : 

Brig. Gen. Wm. D. Beach (N.Y.). 
Maj. Gen. Wm. Weigel (N.J.). 

Activities : Center Sector, Haute Alsace, Oct. 7-Nov. 
5/18. 

Captured : (No data available to authors.) 

Casualties ; (No data available to authors.) 





574 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 

89th DIVISION 

Insignia : Circle of dark blue pip- 
ing with an initial "W" of the same 
color, which, when inverted, is an 
"M", the letters "MW" standing for 
Middle West ; also, the "W" stands for 
the three major generals who com,- 
manded the division, Leonard Wood, 
Frank L. Winn and William M. 
Wright. 

Troops : National Army of Kansas, Missouri, Col- 
orado, Arizona, South Dakota, New Mexico, 
and Nebraska. 

Arrived in France : June 21, 1918. 

Division Commanders : 

Brig. Gen. Frank L. Winn (Ky.). 
Maj. Gen. Wm. M. Wright (N.J.). 

(Note. Major General Leonard Wood, Regular Army, 
— born in New Hampshire ; appointed from 
Massachusetts, — was the first commander of the 
Division, and it was under him that the Division 
was organized and trained at Camp Funston, 
Kans.) 

Activities : Sector northwest of Toul, Aug. 10-20 (un- 
der command 32nd French Corps) ; Sector northwest of 
Toul, Aug. 20-Sept. 12/18 (under command Fourth Amer- 
ican Corps); St. Mihiel operation, Sept. 12-13/18; 
Sector from Xammes to middle of Bois de Damp- 
vitoux (later extended to the Etang de la Chaussee 
on west and western edge of Bois de Bonvaux on east), 
Sept. 1 4-Oct i? / 1 8 ; Meuse-Argonne Offensive (Fifth Corps 
reserve), Oct. 9- 1 9 / 1 8 ; Meuse-ArgonnelOffensive, Oct. 
19-Nov. 11/18. 

Formed part of Army of Occupation in Germany. 
Captured : Prisoners, 192 officers, 4,869 men ; Artillery, 
126 pkces ; Machine guns, 455. 



90th division 575 




Casualties : 

Officers Men 

Killed 48 1.092 

Wounded 201 5,594 

Captured or missing . . ( 218 

250 6,904 

90th DIVISION 

Insignia : Red monogram, "TO"' 
standing for Texcis-Oklahoma. 

Troops : National Army of Texa. 
and Oklahoma. 

Arrived w France: June 23, 1916. 

Division Commanders : 

Maj. Gen. Henry T. Allen (Ky.). 
Maj. Gen. LeRoy S. Lyon (Va.). 
Maj. Gen. Charies H. Martin (III.). 

AcTlviTIiES : Saizerajs-Haye-Puvenelle Sector, Aug. 24- 
Oct. 10/18; St. Mihiel operation. Sept. 12-15/18; 
demonstration at beginning of Meuse-Argonne offensive, 
Sept. 26/18; Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Oct. )9-Nov. 
11/18. 

i Formed part of Army of Occupation in Germany. 

Captured : Prisoners, 32 officers, 1 ,844 men ; Artillery, 
42 pieces ; Machine guns, 240. 

Casualties 

Officers Men 

Killed 37 1,042 

Wounded 266 8,022 

Mifsing or captured .... 7 336 

310 9,400 



576 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 



91st DIVISION 
("Wild West" Division) 

A Insignia : Green fir tree, the design 

j^L being emblematic of the far West. 

^^^ Troops : National Army of Alaska, , 

^^^^^ Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, , 

^^^^^^ Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah. 

^^^^^^ Arrived in France: July 12, 1918. 

^IB^PI^ Division Commanders : 

Y Brig. Gen. Frederick S. Foltz (Pa.). 

■ Maj. Gen. Wm. H. Johnston (Ohio). 

Activities : Meuse-Argonne Sector, near Vauquois,, 

Sept. 20-Oct. 3/18 (Meuse-Argonne offensive, Sept. 26- 

Oct. 3) ; v/est of Escaut (Scheldt^ River, Belgium, Oct. 

30-Nov. 4/18; east of Escaut (Scheldt) River, Belgium, 

Nov. 10-11/18. 

Captured : Prisoners, 12 officers, 2,400 men: Artillery, 

33 pieces ; Machine guns, 466. 

Casualties : 

Officers Men 

Killed 50 1,065 

Wounded 198 4,312 

Missing or captured .. . 1 213 

249 5,590 

92nd DIVISION 

Insignia : American buffalo, co- 
lors varying. Selected because in 
the early frontier days the Indians: 
used to call negro soldiers "Buffa-i 
loes . 

Troops: National Army. The 
company officers and enlisted mer 
were negroes coming from varioui 
States throughout,;the/iUnion. 

Arrived in France : June 19, 1918. 




^3rd division 



'/ / 



Division Commanders : 

Mai. Gen. Charles C. Ballou (III.). 

(Bom in New ^ ork : appointed from Illinois) 
Maj. Gen. Chaile^ H. Alaitin (III.). 
Bng. Gen. James B, Envin (Ga.). 

Activities ; St. Die Sector. \ osges. Aug. 2^-Sept, JO 18 : 
Meuse-Argonne offensive. Sept. J^ ^0. IS (reseive of Fii-s* 
Army Corps ; the 368th Infantrv- was brigaded ^vith the 
I 1 th French Cuirassiers under command of the 38th French 
Army Corps, and paiiicipated m the Meuse-Argonne 
Offensive, entering the line Sept. 24, and withdrawing 
Sept. 30 in the Binai^ille Sector) : Marbache Sector; Oct. 
9.N0V. 13/18. 

Captt'RED : Prisoners, officers, 36 men ; Aitilleiy, 
pieces ; Machine guns, 52. 

C.\SUALTIES : Officers Men 

Killed b lOo 

NT'ounded or gassed ... 33 1 ,204 

Missing ...r — 28 



.338 



93rd DIN'ISION 

Insignia ; A blue disc with 
French helmet superimposed. 

Troops : The Division consisted 
of only four colored infantiy 
regiments. — 3b9th (the old 1 3th 
New York). 370th (the old 8th 
Illinois), 371st, and 372nd. The 
Division never operated as a 
unit, but the regiments were 
attached to the French the entire time. 




37 



HfStOftlCAl SKETCHES 



Date of arrival in France ; Activities, etc. : Owing to the 
fact that when, because of circumstances, it was necessary 
to complete the manuscript of this book no data regarding 
the date of arrival of the Division in France, its activi- 
ties, etc., were available, it was impossible to cover these 
points in the present edition. 



579 

UNITS OF AMERICAN DIVISIONS WHICH 
WERE IN FRANCE 



I . The American combat forces were organized into 
divisions, which were the largest on the Western 
Front, consisting of some 27,000 officers and men_. 
The British divisions numbered about 15,000, and 
the French and German about 12,000 each. How- 
ever, during the latter part of the war the French 
and German divisions were considerably below this 
strength, 

2. The divisions from 1 to 8 inclusive, were Regular 
Army divisions ; from 26 to 42 inclusive, National 
Guard divisions ; from 76 to 93, National Army 
divisions. Total number of divisions, 43. 

3. The 92nd and 93rd Divisions were colored. The 
**5M*' and "6M'* "Regiments of the 2nd Division 
were Marines. 

4. While the following table gives the Artillery brigade 
assigned to each division, in some cases the Artillery 
brigade never joined, and a division was often served 
by an Artillery brigade not its own. 

5 . Headings of columns : 1 . Infantry Division ,* 
2. Infantry Brigades; 3. Artillery Brigades ; 
4. Infantry Regiments ; 5. Artillery Regiments ; 
6. Machine Gun Battalions ; 7. Trench Mortar 
Batteries ; 8. Engineer Regiment and Train ; 
9. Field Signal Battalion ; 10. Train Headquar- 
ters and Military Police ; 11. Supply Train ; 
12. Ammunition Train ; 13. Sanitary Train ; 
14. Ambulance and Field Hospital Companies. 



580 



UNITS OF DIVISIONS IN FRANCE 



Headings of columns : 1 . Infantry Division ; 2. Infantr 
5. Artillery Regiments; 6. Machine Gun Battalions 
Train; 9. Field Signal Battalion; 10* Train Heac 
munition Train; 13. Sanitary Train; 14, Ambulanc 



1 


2 


3 
Art. 


4 


5 


6 


Inf. 


Inf. 


Infantry 


Artillery 


Machine 


Dlv. 


Brigs. 


Brigs 


Regiments 


Regiments 


Gun 
Bns. 


1 


1-2 


1 


16-18-26-28 


6-7-5 


2-3-1 


2 


3-4 


2 


9-23-5M-6M 


12-15-17 


5-6-4 


3 


5-6 


3 


4-7-30-38 


10-76-18 


8-9-7 


4 


7-8 


4 


39-47-58-59 


13-16-77 


11-12-K 


5 


9-10 


5 


60-61-6-11 


19-20-21 


14-15-1: 


6 


11-12 


6 


51-52-53-54 


3-11-78 


17-18-1( 


7 


13-14 


7 


55-56-34-64 


8-79-80 


20-21-1< 


8 


15-16 


8 


12-62-8-13 


2-81-83 


23-24-2: 


26 


51-52 


51 


101-102-103-104 


101-102-103 


102-103- 1 


27 


53-54 


52 


105-106-107-108 


104-105-106 


105-106- 1 


28 


55-56 


53 


109-110-111-112 


107-108-109 


108-109- 1 


29 


57-58 


54 


113-114-115-116 


110-111-112 


111-112- l( 


30 


59-60 


55 


117-118-119-120 


113-114-115 


114-115- IC 


31 


61-62 


56 


121-122-123-124 


116-117-118 


117-118H 10 


32 


63-64 


66 


125-126-127-128 


146-147-148 


120-121. !| 


33 


65-66 


58 


129-130-131-132 


122-123-124 


123-1244 Ifi 


34 


67-68 


59 


133-134-135-136 


125-126-127 


126-127 18 


35 


69-70 


60 


137-138-139-140 


128-129-130 


129-130 11 


36 


71-72 


61 


141-142-143-144 


131-132-133 


132-133 II 


37 


73-74 


62 


145-146-147-148 


134-135-136 


135-136 112 


38 


75-76 


63 


149-150-151-152 


137-138-139 


138-139 \n 


39 


77-78 


64 


153-154-155-156 


140-141-142 141-142|||i 












r 



UNITS OF DIVISIONS IN FRANCE 



581 



Brigades ; 3. Artillery Brigades ; 4. Infantry Regiments ; 
7. Trench Mortar Batteries; 8. Engineer Regiment and 
quarters and Military Police; 11. Supply Train; 12. Am- 
and Field Hospital Companies. 



7 


8 
Eng. 


9 
fid. 


10 
Trn. 


11 

Sup. 


12 


13 
San. 


14 


T.M. 


Amb. and 


Btrys 


Regt. 
and 


Sig. 
Ens. 


Hq. 
and 


Trn, 


Trn. 


Trn. 


F. H. Cos. 




Trn. 
1 


2 


M.P. 

1 


1 


1 


1 




1 


2-3-12-13 


2 


2 


1 


2 


2 


2 


2 


1-15-16-23 


3 


6 


5 


3 


3 


3 


3 


5-7-26-27 


4 


4 


8 


4 


4 


4 


4 


19-21-28-33 


5 


7 


9 


5 


5 


5 


5 


17-25-29-30 


6 


318 


6 


6 


6 


6 


6 


20-37-38-40 


7 


5 


10 


7 


7 


7 


7 


22-34-35-36 


8 


319 


320 


8 


8 


8 


8 


11-31-32-43 


101 


101 


101 


101 


101 


101 


101 


101-102-103-104 


102 


102 


102 


102 


102 


102 


102 


105-106-107-108 


103 


103 


103 


103 


103 


103 


103 


109-110-111-112 


104 


104 


104 


104 


104 


104 


104 


113-114-115-116 


105 


105 


105 


105 


105 


105 


105 


117-118-119-120 


106 


106 


106 


106 


106 


106 


106 


121-122-123-124 


116 


107 


107 


107 


107 


116 


107 


125-126-127-128 


108 


108 


108 


108 


108 


108 


108 


129-130-131-132 


109 


109 


109 


109 


109 


109 


109 


133-134-135-136 


110 


110 


110 


110 


110 


110 


110 


137-138-139-140 


111 


111 


111 


111 


111 


111 


111 


141-142-143-144 


112 


112 


112 


112 


112 


112 


112 


145-146-147-148 


113 


113 


113 


113 


113 


113 


113 


149-150-151-152 


114 


114 


114 


114 


114 


114 


114 


153-154-155-156 



582 



UNITS OF DIVISIONS IN FRANCE 



Headings of columns : 1 . Infantry Division ; 2. Infantrj 
5. Artillery Regiments ; 6. Machine Gun Battalions ; 
Train ; 9. Field Signal Battalion ; 10. Train Head-I 
munition Train; 13. Sanitary Train; 14. Ambulanct 



2 



Inf. 
Brigs. 



79 
81 
83 
151 
153 
155 
157. 
i59 
!6l 
163. 
165. 
167. 
169 
171 
173- 
175- 
177. 
179. 
181- 
183. 



-80 

.82 

.84 

.152 

.154 

.156 

.158 

.160 

.162 

164 

166 

168 

170 

'172 

174 

176 

178 

180 

182 

184 



Art. 
Brigs 



65 
57 
67 
151 
152 
153 
154 
155 
156 
157 
158 
159 
160 
161 
162 
163 
164 
165 
166 
167 



4 



Infantry 



157-158. 
161-162. 
165-166. 
301-302. 
305-306. 
309-310. 
313 314. 
317-318. 
321-322. 
325-326. 
329-330. 
333-334. 
337-338- 
341-342. 
345-346- 
349-350- 
353-354- 
357-358- 
361-362- 
365-366- 
369-370- 



.159-160 
.163-164 
.167-168 
.303-304 
.307-308 
'311-312 
315-316 
319-320 
323-324 
-327-328 
331-332 
335-336 
339-340 
343-344 
347-348 
351-352 
355-356 
359-360 
363-364 
367-368 
371-372 



Artillery 



143 
119. 
149. 
301- 
304. 
307. 
310. 
313. 
316. 
319. 
322. 
325. 
328. 
331- 
334- 
337- 
340- 
343- 
346- 
349- 



.144-145 
.120-121 
150-151 
.302-303 
.305-306 
.308-309 
311-312 
314-315 
317-318 
•320-321 
-323-324 
-326:327 
-329-330 
-332-333 
335-336 
338-339 
341-342 
344-345 
347-348 
350-351 



6 



Gun 
Bns. 



144-145-14:1 

147-148-141 

150-151-14' 

302-303-30 

305-306-30 

308-309-30 

311-312-311 

314-315-311 

317-318-31 

320-321-31 

323-324-32 

326-327-32 

329-330-32 

332-333-33 

335-336-33 

338-339-33 

341-342-34 

344-345-34 

347-348-34 

350-351-34 



UNITS OF DIVISIONS IN FRANCE 



583 



Brigades ; 3. Artillery Brigades ; 4. Infantry Regiments ; 
7. Trench Mortar Batteries; 8. Engineer Regiment and 
quarters and Military Police; 11. Supply Train; 12. Am- 
and Field Hospital Companies. 



7 


8 
Eng. 


9 
Fid. 


10 
Trn. 


11 

Sup. 


12 
Amm. 


13 
San. 


14 


T.M. 


Amb. and 


Btrys 


Regt. 
and 


Slg. 
Eds. 


Hq. 
and 


Tro. 


Trn. 


Trn. 


F. H. Cos. 




Trn. 
115 


115 


M.P. 
115 


115 


115 


115 




115 


157-158-159-160 


107 


116 


116 


116 


116 


107 


116 


161-162-163-16^ 


117 


117 


117 


117 


117 


117 


117 


165-166-167-168 


301 


301 


301 


301 


301 


301 


301 


301-302-303-304 


302 


302 


302 


302 


302 


302 


302 


305-306-307-308 


303 


303 


303 


303 


303 


303 


303 


309-310-311-312 


304 


304 


304 


304 


304 


304 


304 


313-314-315-316 


305 


305 


305 


305 


305 


305 


305 


317-318-319-320 


306 


306 


306 


306 


306 


306 


306 


321-322-323-324 


307 


307 


307 


307 


307 


307 


307 


325-326-327-328 


308 


308 


308 


308 


308 


308 


308 


329-330-331-332 


309 


309 


309 


309 


309 


309 


309 


333-334-335-336 


310 


310 


310 


310 


310 


310 


310 


337-338-339-340 


311 


311 


311 


311 


311 


311 


311 


341-342-343-344 


312 


312 


312 


312 


312 


312 


312 


345-346-347-348 


313 


313 


313 


313 


313 


313 


313 


349-350-351-352 


314 


314 


314 


314 


314 


314 


314 


353-354-355-356 


315 


315 


315 


315 


315 


315 


315 


357-358-359-360 


316 


316 


316 


316 


316 


316 


316 


361-362-363-364 


317 


317 


317 


317 


317 


317 


317 


365-366-367-368 



584 

AMERICAN CEMETERIES IN FRANCE 
Containing Over 200 Graves 

(Note : This list was compiled January, 1920, from official records. 
However, since that time it may be that some of the cemeteries given 
have been consoHdated or evacuated ; also, that the number of graves 
in others may have changed. Persons wishing to obtain information 
regarding American cemeteries should apply to the Graves Registration 
Service, 8, Avenue d'lena ; telephone, Passy 83,85.) 

ALLEREY. (1 1 miles southeast of Beaune) ; 460 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Allerey, 217 miles from Paris ; transportation 
facilities from station, walking (15 minutes) ; nearest hotel 
accommodations, Beaune (2 hotels).' 

ANGERS. (55 miles west of Tours) ; 297 graves ; nearest railroad 
station, Angers, 180 miles from Paris : transportation facilities 
from station, riding (2 34 miles) ; nearest hotel accommoda- 
tions, Angers (Hotel de France), 

ARGONNE. (1 8 miles northwest of Verdun); 20,882 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Dun-S|pr-Meuse ; transportation facilities 
from station, as far as known only walking (8 miles) ; near- 
est hotel accommodations, Verdun. 

BAZOILLES, (5 miles south of Neufchateau) ; 757 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Bazoilles ; transportation facilities from station, 
walking ; nearest hotel accommodations, Neufchateau, 

BEAUNE. 240 graves ; nearest railroad station, Beaune, 193 miles 
from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, walking 
(cemetery is in northern part of town) ; nearest hotel accommo- 
dations, Beaune (Hotel de la Poste), 

BELLEAU. 2,260 graves ; nearest railroad station. Chateau Thierry, 
52 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, 
riding (6 miles) ; nearest hotel accommodations, Chateau 
Thierry (two or three hotels). 

BONVILLERS, (17 miles south of Amiens) ; 297 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Beauvais, 42 miles from Paris ; transportation 
facilities from station, riding (4^ miles) ; nearest hotel accom- 
modations, Beauvais (6 hotels). 

BONY. (10 miles south of Cambrai) ; 1,661 graves ; nearest railroad 
station, St. Quentin, 83 miles from Paris ; transportation facil- 
ities from station, walking (half-hour) ; nearest hotel accom- 
modations, St, Quentin (1 hotel). 



AMERICAN CEMETERIES IN FRANCE 585 

BRIZEAU. (10 miles southeast of Ste. Menehould); 461 graves; 
nearest railroad station, Thiaucourt, 1 53 miles from Paris ; 
transportation facilities from station, walking (2 miles) ; nearest 
hotel accommodations, Ste. Menehould (2 hotels). 

CARBON BLANC. (6 miles north of Bordeaux) ; 240 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Bordeaux, 335 miles from Paris ; transportation 
facilities from station, riding (9 miles) ; nearest hotel accom- 
modations, Bordeaux (many hotels). 

CHAUMONT. 573 graves ; nearest railroad station, Chaumont, 
160 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, 
walking or riding (cemetery in edge of town) ; nearest hotel 
accommodations, Chaumont (Hotel de France). 

CLERMONT-FERRAND. (100 miles west of Lyon) ; 264 graves ; 
nearest railroad station, Clermont-Ferrand, 235 miles from 
Paris ; transportation facilities from station, riding ; nearest 
hotel accommodations, Clermont-Ferrand (several hotels). 

COMMERCY. (8 miles south of St. Mihiel) ; 207 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Commercy, 160 miles from Paris ; transporta- 
tion facilities from station, riding or walking ; nearest hotel 
accommodations, Commercy (2 hotels). 

CONTREXEVILLE. (30 miles south of Toul) ; 226 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Contrexeville, 194 miles from Paris ; trans- 
portation facilities from station, riding or walking ; nearest 
hotel accommodations, Contrexeville (number of hotels). 

DIJON. 372 graves ; nearest railroad station, Dijon, 190 miles from 
Paris ; transportation facilities from station, riding or walking ; 
nearest hotel accommodations, Dijon (several hotels). 

FISMES. (17 miles west of Reims) ; 1,712 graves ; nearest railroad 
station, Fismes, 71 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities 
from station, walking ; nearest hotel accommodations. Fismes 
(2 small hotels). 

FROIDOS. (12 miles southwest of Verdun and II miles east of Ste. 
Menehould) ; 340 graves ; nearest railroad station, Froidos, 
157 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, 
walking (10 minutes); nearest hotel accommodations, Ste. Me- 
nehould and Verdun. 

HERICOURT. (5 miles southwest of Belfort) ; 429 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Hericourt, 250 miles from Paris ; transport- 
ation facilities from station, walking ; nearest hotel accommo- 
dations, Hericourt (1 hotel). 

IS-sur-TILLE. (16 miles north of Dijon); 218 graves; nearest 
railroad station, Is-sur-Tille, 189 miles from Paris; transporta- 



586 AMERICAN CEMETERIES IN FRANCE 

tion facilities from station, walking ; nearest hotel accommo- 
dations, Is-sur-Tille (1 hotel) or Dijon (several good hotels) 

JUVIGNY. (6 miles north of Soissons) ; 416 graves ; nearest railroad 
station, Soissons, 55 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities 
from station, riding or narrow gauge railroad ; nearest hotel 
accommodations, Soissons (3 hotels). 

KERFAUTRAS. (Suburb of Brest) ; 758 graves ; nearest railroad 
station, Brest, 351 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities 
from station, riding or walking ; nearest hotel accommodations, 
Brest (several hotels). 

KERHUON. (5 miles east of Brest) ; 240 graves ; nearest railroad 
station, Brest, 351 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities 
from station, riding (5 miles) ; nearr st hotel accommodations, 
Brest (several hotels). 

LA FERTE-sous-JOUARRE. 343 graves ; nearest railroad station. 
La Ferte-sous-Jouarre, 35 miles from Paris ; transportation • 
facilities from station, riding or walking ; nearest hotel accom- 
modations. La Ferte-sous-Jouarre (several hotels). 

LAMBEZELLEC. (2 miles north of Brest) ; 1 ,740 graves ; nearest t 
railroad station, Brest, 351 miles from Paris ; transportation: 
facilities from station, walking or riding (2 miles) ; nearest i 
hotel accommodations, Brest (several hotels). 

LANGRES. 437 graves ; nearest railroad station, Langres, 174 miles 
from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, walking or 
riding (1 mile) ; nearest hotel accommodations, Langres 
(2 hotels). 

LE MANS. 871 graves ; nearest railroad station, Le Mans, 126 miles 
from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, walking, 
street cars, or riding ; nearest hotel accommodations, Le Mans: 
(several hotels). 

LETANNE. (10 miles southeast of Sedan) ; 776 graves ; nearest rail- 
road station, Sedan, 146 miles from Paris ; transportation!^ 
facilities from station, riding ; nearest hotel accommodations,; 
Sedan (several hotels). 

LE VALDAHON. (60 miles northeast of Dijon) ; 218 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Le Valdahon, 260 miles from Paris ; transpor- 
tation facilities from station, walking ,* nearest hotel accommo- 
dations, Baune-Ies-Dames. 

LIMOGES. 235 graves ; nearest railroad station, Limoges, 230 miles 
from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, street cars 
or riding ; nearest hotel accommodations, Limoges (several 
hotels). 



AMERICAN CEMETERIES IN FRANCE 587 

MENIL-la-TOUR. (6 miles north of Toul) ; 227 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Menil-la-Tour ; transportation facilities from 
station, walking (5 minutes) ; nearest hotel accommodations, 
Toul (several hotels). 

MERIGNAC. (3 miles west of Bordeaux) ; 310 graves ; nearest rail- 
road station, Bordeaux, 340 miles from Paris ; transportation 
facilities from station, riding, (3 miles); nearest hotel accommo- 
dations, Bordeaux (number of hotels). 

MESVES. (75 miles southeast of Orleans) ; 649 graves ; nearest rail- 
road station, Mesves ; transportation facilities from station, 
walking (1 mile) ; nearest hotel accommodations, Cosnes. 

NANTES. 649 graves ; nearest railroad station, Nantes, 236 miles 
from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, street cars, 
riding, or walking (1 mile) ; nearest hotel accommodations, 
Nantes (number of hotels). 

NEUFCHATEAU. 201 graves ; nearest railroad station, Neuf chateau, 
175 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, 
riding ; nearest hotel accommodations, Neuf chateau (1 hotel). 

NEVERS. 383 graves ; nearest railroad station Nevers, 141 miles from 
Paris ; transportation facilities from station, riding or walking 
(5 minutes) ; nearest hotel accommodations, Nevers (several 
hotels), 

NOYERS. (12 miles south of Blois) ; 555 graves ; nearest railroad 
station, St. Aignan, 125 miles from Paris ; transportation 
facilities from station, riding or walking (2 miles) ; neaest 
hotel accommodations, St. Aignan (2 small hotels). 

PLOISY. (5 miles southwest of Soissons) ; 1,821 graves ,• nearest 
railroad station, Berzy-Ie-Sec, 52 miles from Paris ; transporta- 
tion facilities from station, walking (2 miles) ; nearest hotel 
accommodations, Soissons (3 hotels). 

RIMAUCOURT. (15 miles northeast of Chaumont) ; 335 graves ; 
nearest railroad station, Rimaucourt, 175 miles from Paris ; 
transportation facilities from station, walking (1 mile) ; nearest 
hotel accommodations, Neuf chateau (1 hotel). 

ROMAGNE-sous-MONTFAUCON. See "Argonne". 

ROUEN. 321 graves ; nearest railroad station, Rouen, 72 miles from 
Paris ; transportation facilities from station, street cars and 
riding ; nearest hotel accommodations, Rouen (number of 
hotels). 

SAVENAY. (15 miles east of St.-Nazaire) ; 397 graves ; nearest rail- 
road station, Savenay, 253 miles from Paris ; transportation 
facilities from station, riding ; nearest hotel accommodations, 
Savenay (1 small hotel) or St.-Nazaire{(severalihotels), 



588 AMERICAN CEMETERIES IN FRANCE 

SAINT-NAZAIRE. 1,218 graves; nearest railroad station, St.=Na- 
zaire, 263 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities from 
station, riding or walking (2 miles) ; nearest hotel accommo- 
dations, St.-Nazaire (several hotels). 

SAINT-SOUPLET. (15 miles southeast of Cambrai) ; 357 graves; 
nearest railroad station, St.-Souplet, 78 miles from Paris ; 
transportation facilities from station, walking (15 minutes) ; 
nearest hotel accommodations, Le Cateau (2 hotels). 

SENONCOURT. (8 miles southwest of Verdun) ; 373 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Lemmes, 1 60 miles from Paris ; transportation 
tacillties from station, walking (half hour) ; nearest hotel 
accommodations, Verdun. 

SERINGES. (18 miles northeast of Chateau Thierry) ; 3,586 graves; 
nearest railroad station, Fere-en-Tardenois, 67 miles from 
Paris ; transportation facilities from station, walking (2 miles) ; 
nearest hotel accommodations, Fere-en-TardenoIs (1 small 
hotel). 

SOUILLY. (10 'miles southwest of Verdun) ; 593 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Souilly, 160 miles from Paris ; transportation 
facilities from station, walking (10 minutes); nearest hotel 
accommodations, Verdun. 

SURESNES. 891 graves ; nearest railroad station, suburb of Pans 
transportation facilities, street cars from Paris, via Porte 
Maillot ; reached by automobile through Bols de Boulogne, 
via Longchamps ; nearest hotel accommodations, Paris. 

TALENCE. (3 miles southwest of Bordeaux) ; 716 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Bordeaux, 335 miles from Paris ; transporta- 
tion facilities from station, street cars and taxi-cabs ; nearest 
hotel accommodations, Bordeaux (number of hotels). 

THIAUCOURT. (14 miles northeast of St. Mlhlel, and 1 5 miles north 
of Toul) ; 4,233 graves ; nearest railroad station, Thiaucourt, 
180 miles from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, 
walking (15 minutes) ; nearest hotel accommodations, Toul 
and St. Mlhlel. 

TOUL. 1,290 graves ; nearest railroad station, Toul, 171 miles from 
Paris ; transportation facilities from station, street cars and 
riding ; nearest hotel accommodations, Toul (several hotels). 

TOURS. 313 graves ; nearest railroad station, Tours, 136 miles from 
Paris ; transportation facilities from station, street cars and 
riding ; nearest hotel accommodations. Tours (number of 
hotels). 

VAUBECOURT. (10 miles northwest of Bar-le-Duc) ; 269 graves : 
nearest railroad station, Vaubecourt, 158 miles from Paris : 



AMERICAN CEMETERIES IN FRANCE 589 

transportation facilities from station, walking (10 minutes) ; 
nearest hotel accommodations, Bar-Ie-Duc. 

VAUX-sur-SOMME. (13 miles east of Amiens) ; 234 graves ; nearest 
railroad station, Corbie, 88 miles from Paris ; transportation 
facilities from station, walking (half hour) ; nearest hotel 
accommodations. Corbie (1 small hotel) or Amiens (several 
hotels). 

VERDUN. 395 graves ; nearest railroad station, Verdim, 153 miles 
from Paris ; transportation facilities from station, riding or 
walkmg (2 miles) ; nearest hotel accommodations, Verdun 
(2 or 3 hotels). 

VILLERS TOURNELLE. (6 miler, from Beauvais) ; 530 graves; 
nearest railroad station, Beauvais, 42 miles from Paris ; tranS"* 
portation facilities from station, as far as known, walking only 
(6 miles) ; nearest hotel accommodations, Beauvais. 

VITTEL. 286 graves ; nearest railroad station, Vittel, 205 miles from 
Paris ; transportation facilities from station, walking or riding ; 
nearest hotel accommodations, Vittel (several hotels). 

WAEREGHEM. (Belgium, — 35 miles west of Brussels and 22 miles 
northeast of Lille) ; 687 graves ; nearest railroad station Wae- 
reghem ; transportation facilities from station, walking 
(5 minutes) ; nearest hotel accommodations, Waereghem 
(several hotels). 



590 



11 — Rue de Castiglione — 11 
PARIS 

" Our mark, our bond " 




Tj"ade-Mark 

TOURING DEPARTMENT. 

In charge of a demobilized officer^ assisted by former soldiers who 
SOU) service at the Front, have a thorough knowledge of the 
battlefields, and are prepared to give full and accurate information 
to those contemplating trips to the American battlefields, and to 
arrange for such trips in private cars (v^rith or without guides), by 
auto-bus. by aeroplane, or by rail. Satisfaction guaranteed. 

PHOTOGRAPHIC DEPARTMENT, 

Operated by demobilized American Photographers who saw service 
at the Front. 

Films developed and printed in 36 hours. 

lE,nla.rgeixients.Kodaks,films and other Photo Supplies. 

Expert American photographers and moving-picture 
operators furnished for trips and other occasions. 

WAR SOUVENIRS 

War souvenirs of all kinds, including helmets, shell - 
case vases, rifjes, war photographs, etc., as well as 

SOUVENIRS OF Paris. 

DELIVERY MADE ANYWHERE IN AMERICA 



591 

" Crusading for Right " 

Symbolizing 
THE AMERICAN SOLDIER 

(See frontispiece of this book) 

This Statue is the first sculptural classic of the 
World War, having been conceived and given body 
and form by an humble " Poilu " of France v^hile the 
Great Conflict was still at its height, — indeed, within 
the very sound of the cannon* s roar. 

A statue of "CRUSADING FOR RIGHT," 

eight feet in height (not including the base), was 
ordered by a Department of the Government and is to 
be erected in Washington as a memorial in theSpring 

of 1920. 

Replicas of the .Statue, of various sizes, are madle 
of cases of shells fired at the Germans by French 
and American guns at Chateau Thierry. 

An artistic brochure telling the inspiring story of 
'CRUSADING FOR RIGHT " may be obtained 
gratis^'Upon application to — 

Ovr mark,, out bond" 




^ouaenirDbop 



line i'l'i Casti'jrone- 
PARIS 



592 

RELIEF MAPS 

OF 

THE AMERICAN BATTLEFIELDS 

(Made by a new^ patented process) 

These map^, showing life-like the hills, valleys, 
streams, woods, roads, towns, and other features of 
the ground over which the Americans fought in 
France and Belgmm, are made by the same new, 
patented process that was employed in making the 
mathematically accurate relief maps used during the 
war by the French and American Armies. 

They are an interesting, valuable and novel addi- 
tion to home and public libraries, armories, military 
schools and colleges, and museums. 

They enable the layman to visualize perfectly the 
ground over which the Americans fought, and the 
student to study the operations concretely and non- 
irksomely. 

See these interesting relief maps at— 




11 — Rue de Castiglione^ll 
PARIS 

American Agency : 

€leo. Banta Publishing Co., 

Menasha, Wisconsin. 



593 

The Chicago Tribune 

the world's greatest newspaper 
European Edition 

One sale throughout Europe in Hotels and at News-stands 

General Pershing said : " You have rendered a signal service 
to us all in the publication of your newspaper and in your consist- 
ently generous and helpful attitude to officers and men in this war." 



U. S. Commissioners to the Peace Conference : 

Mr. Frank Polk : " In leaving let me take this opportunity 
of congratulating your paper. . . " 

General Tasker H. Bliss : '*I have watched the rapid growth 
of your journal with the greatest interest and pleasure. You have 
made it representative ... of the interests of America . . . you will 
serve them best of all by preaching in season and out of season 
the best American ideals, and I am sure we can all count on 
The Chicago Tribune doing this." 

Mr. Henry White : " Throughout the Peace Conference, that 
ncM'spaper (The Chicago Tribune) has distinguished itself by 
setting forth with fairness and accuracy the American point of 
view. This has been especially gratifying to me because my long 
connection with foreign affairs has convinced me that the French 
and other European nations should be at all times accurately 
informed of genuine American opinion on matters of national and 
international import. " 



THE EUROPEAN EDITION 
OF 
THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE 
IS THE ONLY NE^WSPAPER IN EUROPE 
EDITED ^WHOLLY BY AMERICANS 

420, Rui: S i.-Ho,Nor?r-;, Paris. 125, Pali. Mall, London S.W.I. 

You are invited to visit these offices and register 



Publishers : 

Col R. R. Mccormick, a.e f. 

Capt. Joseph Medill PATTERSON, A. E. F. 

Editor : 

Floyd GIBBONS. 



594 



VISIT THE BATTLEFIELDS 

In the Luxurious Private-Party Motor-Cars 

Or, 

Fine General-Party Auto-Busses 

of 

'LES grands VOYAGES" 

Fixed Prices That Include Everything 

AGENCY : 



11 — Rue de Castiglione — 11 
PARIS 

Telephone : LouVRE 53.28 



595 



INDEX 



baucourt 387 ; 388 

blimont 364 

bri St. Louis 358 

eroplane tups to battlefields . . 495 
increville 291 

labaiua troops — 

31st Division. Historical 
sketch . . . . 558 

42nd Division. See, Forty-second 
Division". 

82nd Division. See, Eighty-se- 
cond Division". 

Bullard, Lieut. Gen. Robert L., 

3 ; 229 ; 428 ; 543-4 

Sibert.Maj.Gen.Wm.L.. .. 548 

laska troops — 

91st Division. See, Ninet3/-first 

Division", 
exander, Maj. Gen. Robert, 355 ; 564 
len, Maj. Gen. Henry T., 1 77 ; 402 ; 
546-7 ,- 575. 

lerey Cemetery 584 

licourt . . . 353-4 

liepont 383 ; 384 

nerican Battlefields — 

In France and Belgium . . . . 487 
Pilgrimages. See, Pilgrimages to 

American Battlefields", 
nerican cemeteries in France . 584 
nerican counter-w^eights, Foch's, 10 
nerican machine gunners at 

Chateau Thierry 13-19 

nericans, where they fought in 

France and Belgium 487 

iaerican Sector, Permanent . . 1 54 
tiiens 446 



Amiens-Montdidier-St. Quentin 

Region 488 

Ancreville 404 

Andevanne 404 

Angecourt 364 

Angers Cemetery . . 584 

Appendix 487 

Apremont — 

(Meuse-Argonne). 258 ; 304-5 : 
307 ; 339 ; 359 ; 390. 

(St. Mihiel Salient) 168 

Arbe Les Jomblets 130 

Argonne Cemetery 584 

Argonne Forest — 

Description of .. .. 215-16 

Trip to 509 

With the French west of. . 415-26 

See, Meuse-Argonne Offensive". 

ArietelFarm 259 

Arizona troops — 

40th Division. Historical sketch, 
insignia and commanders . . 563 

89th Division. See Eighty- 
ninth Division". 

Cronkhite,Maj.Gen.Adelbert,377; 
546-7 ; 568. 

Arkansas troops — 

39th Division. Historical 

sketch D63 

87th Division. Historical sketch, 
insignia and commanders . . 573 

Armanthe 168; 170 

Armistice Order 413 

Armistice, where signed (Note) . 536 
Army commanders and insignia. 543 
Army Corps commanders and 

insignia 544-547 

Asper .. .. 471: 473 



596 



INDEX 



Audenarde — 

Operations around . . 478-9 ; 481 

Trip to 540 : 542 

Authe 369 

Avelghem 463 

Avillers 209 

Avocourt . . 341 ; 407 

Azannes 301 



B 



Baalon .. 406 

Bailey, Maj. Gen. Chas. J., . . 386 
Ballou, Maj. Gen. Chas. C., 435 ; 546 
Bamford, Brig. Gen. Frank E., 258 ; 

298; 548; 554. 

Bandholtz, Brig. Gen. H. H., .. 401 

Bantheville 403 

Bar-le-Duc 534 

Bar River 369 

Barricade Pavilion 358 

Barricourt 400 

Barth, Brig. Gen. C.H., .. .. 553 

Barzy-sur-Marne 106 

Battlefields, American — 
Arranging for transportation 

to.. 590 

In France and Belgium . . . . 487 

Pilgrimages to 492 

Relief maps of 592 

Souvenirs 590 

Baulny 338 

Baunthe Creek . . . . . . . . 331 

Bayonvllle 265 

Bazoches. .. 125 ; 127 ; 128; 147 

Bazoilles Cemetery 584 

Bazuel 445 

Beach, Brig. Gen. Wm.D., .. 573 

Beauclair 401 

Beaufort 401 

Beaumont (Meuse-Argonne), 261 ; 
268 : 270 ; 384. 

Rrpun-.rvnf F^rw. 146 



Beaune Cemetery . . 58^ 

Beaurepaire Farm 8? 

Becquigny 45 1 

Beffu-et-MortKomme 36^ 

Belgium^ 

Operations in 456-48^ 

Trips to battlefields. 540-542; 48> 
Bell, Maj. Gen. George, Jr., 322 
432 ; 546 ; 

Belleau — i 

Cemetery 498; 58-!' 

Village 9^ 

Woods 31-37 ;49( 

Belle Joyeuse Farm 36! 

Belleville-sur-Bar 36* 

Belle Vug Farm 137; 13< 

Bellicourt .. 447-41 

Beney 19, 

Berzy-le-Sec 76 ; 80-8} 

Bethincourt 279; 322; 37: 

Beuvardes 1 2j 

Bezu-St. Germain 50<] 

"Big Bertha" Emplacement .. 49'i 

Billy 20» 

Binarville 35' 

Blanc Mont. .. . 417; 419; 42, 
Boardman, Brig. Gen. Chas. R., 551 

Boemont Farm 33| 

Bohain 45; 

Bois — ! 

Clairs Chenes, 277 ; Claude, 182 
Grande Cognon, 388 ; Jure, 378; 
le-Guery, 26 ; les Clairs Chene 
386 ; les Hautes Epines, 433 ; Mer- 
niere, 109; 135-6; Noire Ha« 
386 ; Petite Cognon, 388 ; Qua 
de Reserve, 199. j 

Bois de — ' 

Aigremont, 51 ; Andevanne, 40( 
Alsace, 146 ; Apremont (Meusi' 
Argonne), 305 ; Avocourt, 37fii 
Babiemont, 292 ; Bantheville. 3l!f 
320 : 397 : 398 r 399 ; 403 ; Bi' 



INDEX 



597 



lion, 47; 49; 105; Barricourt, 
0; Belleau (see, Belleau Woods"); 
illeu, 299—301; Belval, 267- 
; Beney, 1 96 ; Bethlncourt, 342; 
:uges, 316; 344-6; 372; 374; 
»nnes, 102; Bouleux, 340; Bon- 
1, 432; Bouleaux, 410; 411; 
mresches, 96; Bourgogne, 367; 
8; Brleulles, 281; 282; 283; 
latel, 305; Chatillon, 294; 295; 
9 ; Chaume, 325 ; 326 ; Chemi- 
t, 436; CheneSec, 317; Chappy, 
7; 408; Chesnes, 299;Chesnois, 
6; Cierges (Marne Salient), 135; 
6 ; Cierges (Meiise-Argonne), 
7; 410-11 ; Communal deBaulny 
0; Communal de Cierges, 410; 
)nde, 57; 59; Consenvoye, 311 ; 
2; 325; Cornay;305; 308; 393; 
iisy,370;CuneI, 273; 274; 275; 
3; Dampvitoux, 192; Dombras, 

1 ; Dommartin, 431 ; Etrayes, 
3-15; Emont, 315, 344; 345; 
6; 347; Euvezin, 187; Fays, 
2; 281; 283; Folie. 266; Fond 

Limon,271; Foret, 277; 283; 
5 ; 291 ; Forges, 323 ; 378 ; Four, 

2 ; Frehaut, 435 ; 436 ; Gesnes, 
8; Grande Fontaine, 184; 188; 
9 ; Hartennes, 91 ; Harville, 434 ; 
ludronvillers-Bas, 431 ; 432 : 
uigonne, 49 ; Jomblets, 137 ; 138; 
9 ; Lissev, 320 ; 321 ; Loges, 366; 
8 ; 369 :"Malancourt, 342 ; Man- 
ulles, 388 ; Money, 259 ; 260 ; 
ont Dieu, 353 ; Montrebeau, 258 ; 

8 ; 340 ; Mort Mare, 191 ; Non- 
rd, 200 ; 201 ; Ormont, 299 ; 300 ; 
1 ;314;PeIger, 138 ; 139 ; Pian- 
ette, 138 ; 139 ;PresIe, 179 ; 180 ; 
imagne, 260; 350; 352; 412; 
)ssignol, 329-330 ; Rougis, 58 ; 
ptsarges. 280; 342; 378; Sy, 

9 ; Tallle I'Abbc?, 308 ; Tailly, 



405 ; Thiaucourt, 196 ; Triangle, 
34 ; Trugny, 97 ; 98 ; Valoup, 318; 
Very, 408 ; Vigneulles, 201 ; Villers, 
180 ; Vcivrotte, 436 ; Warville, 433. 
Bois de la — 

Cote Lemont, 379 ; Epasse, 264 
Grande Montagne, 313-14 ; 325-26 
374 ; Hospice. 271 ; Marette, 30 
34 ; Marlee, 354 ; Montagne, 189 
Morine, 317; 411 ; Naza, 359 
Oueu, 262 ; Pultiere, 277 ; 286 
288 ; 289 ; Reine, 314 ; Roche, 39 
Woevre, 321. 
Bois des — 

Clerembauts, 34; Dames, 401; Epin- 
ettes, 410 ; Grimpettes, 130-31 ; 
1 35-36; Haravillers, 43 1 -32; Harzois 
264; Ogons 273-4 ; 372 3 ; 380-1 ; 
Rappes (Meuse-Argonne) , 277 ; 
286 ; 288 ; 289-90; 402-3; Raopes 
(St. Mihiel Salient) 180; 182; 429; 
Rochets, 37 ; 39 ; Sandes, 182. 

Bontvelde 481 

Bon villers Cemetery 584 

Bony 441 ; 442; 447 

Bony Cemetery 584 

Boucle-St. Blaise 481 

Bouillonville 191 

Bouresches. . 30 ; 33 ; 35 ; 95 ; 498 
Boureuilles.. 302; 327; 329; 334 

Bourg-et-Comin ., 148 

Brabant .. 310; 325 

Brief histories of Divisions . . . 548 

Braisne. 150 

Brancourt . o . . . . . . . . 45 1 

BrieuUes, 280 ; 283 ; 284 ; 291 ; 293 ; 
369 ; 378-9. 

Briey 428 

Briquenay 369 

British Front- 

27//j and 3Qth Divisions : 

From Scheldt Canal to Sambre, 
438-455 
Ypres Sector 456-62 



INDEX 



Trips to.. .. .. 535; 540-41 

Brizeau Cemetery 585 

Brouennes 407 

Brown, Brig. Gen. Preston, 272 ; 550 
Brussells, trips to battlefields 

from 540-542 

Buck, Maj. Gen. Beaumont B., 272 ; 

550 ; 560. 

Buisson-de-Cresnes 100 

BuUard, Lieut. Gen. Robt. L., 3 ; 241 ; 

229 ; 428 ; 544. 

Bulson 261 

Bundy. Maj. Gen. Omar, 19; 546 
Burnham, Maj. Gen. Wm. P., 174 ; 

389 ; 570. 

Busigny . . 45 1 

Bussiares 30 ; 32 

Butgneville 435 

Buzancy 80; 81; 384 



California troops — 

40th Division. Historical sketch, 
insignia and commanders . . 563 

42nd Division. See, Forty-second 
Division". 

91st Division. See, Ninety-first 

D. . . ,, 
ivision . 

Cameron, Maj. Gen. Geo. H., 70 ; 

162; 229; 278; 545; 551. 

Camp Mahaut 523 

Canif Trench . . . . . . . . 375 

Cantigny — 

Capture of . . .... 3-9 ; 30 

Tripto 535 

Carbon Blanc Cemetery . . . . 585 

CatiUon. .^ 445; 453 

Cemeteries In France 584 

Chabigny Farm.. 72 

Chaillon 168 

Chalons 529 

Chambley . . 428 



Chamery .-. .. .. .. 140; 50( 

Champagne Front — 

2nd and 36th Divisions . . 41 5-42t 

42nd Division 60-6; 

Tripto 50' 

Champenoise 421 

Champigneulles, 363 ; 366-7 ; 394-! 

Champillon 26 ; 30 ; 3, 

Charantigny 9 

Charey . . ' 431 

Charlevaux (Moulin de) . . . . 35' 

Charpentry 258; 336; 331 

Chateau de Nesles . . .... 12 

Chateau Thierry — 
^American divisions that fdught 

^ In region of 48' 

^ Enemy drive for Paris . . . . 1 
g General facts regarding , • . 49 
fc General fighting near . . . . 9-5 
^Gratitude to America , . . . 15 
^ Machine gunners, American.. 13-1 

$^ Refugees 20-2 

i Trips to, 496 ; 500 ; 504 ; 509 ; 52 
Chatel-Chehery, 304; 308; 361 
389 ; 392. 

Chatillon-sur-Bar 36 

Chaudron Farm 339 ; 34 

Chaudun . . 78 ; 7 

Chaumont Cemetery 58 

Chaumont-devant-Damvillers . , 37 

Chauvoncourt 155; 16 

Chavignon 5C 

Chavlgny H 

Chavigny Farm ? 

Chazelle 79 ; J 

Chehery .. ..261; 3( 

Chemin des Dames — 

Facts regarding 50 

Tripto 500; 5( 

Chene Tondu (Le) . . . . 36 1 ; 3( 

Chennery 21 

Cheppy. .. 328; 331; 332; 3: 
Chery-Chartreuve .. .. 123; 13 
Chevenges 262; 33 



INDEX 



599 



ivieres , . , 361 

ivlllon .. .. .. ,. ., 101 

!zy ., .. 29; 59 

erry . . . 1 05 

my 100 

rges — 

Vlarne Salient), 109; 130; 132; 

135 ; 137-8. 
VIeuse-Argonne), 273 ; 316 ; 344-6 

ye 496 

rmont-Ferrand . . . . , . 585 

ry-le-Grand 291 

ry-!e-PetIt 292 ; 294 

lan 140 

e, Brig. Gen. Eli K., .. .. 564 

orado troops — 

0th Division. Historical sketch, 

insignia and commanders . . 563 
1st Division. Historical 

sketch . . 564 

2nd Division. See, Forty-second 

Division". 
9th Division. See, Eighty-ninth 

Division", 
ored troops. See, 92nd Division". 

nblizy 57 

nbres 168; 170 

nmanding Generals of Ar- 
lies, Corps, and Divisions . . 543 

nmercy Cemetery 585 

npiegne . . . 540 

nposition of Divisions . . . . 579 

ide-en-Brie 58 

iflans .. 428 

inecticut troops— 

6th Division. See, Twenty-sixth 

Division". 
6th Division. Historical 

sketch 565 

migis . . 58 

itrexeville 585 

•nay. .. 390 ; 392 ; 393 ; 394 
•ps commanders and insignia, 

544-547 



Cote (in Meuse-Argonne) — 

180, pages 390 ; 392 ; 231 , page 340; 
244, page 308 ; 265, page 346. 

Cote de — 

Chatillon, 348; 349; 350; 351 ; 

352 ; Dame Marie. 318 ; Morimont, 

376 ; Perrike, 304 ;305 ; 306 ; 308 ; 

St. Germain, 296. 
Coulommes-et-Marqueny. , . 425 

Coulonges 1 40 

Coulter, Brig. Gen. Richard . . 564 

Courchamps 101 

Coutremont 57 

Cravancon Farm 77 ; 79 

Crezancy 51 

Cronkhite, Maj. Gen. Adelbert, 377 ; 

546-7 ; 568. 

Cruyshautem 467 

Cruyshautem Ridge 464 

Cuisy 280 ; 282 

Cunel.. .. 283 ; 286 ; 288 ; 382 
Curtain descends upon last act 

of Great Drama 482 

Curtain raiser at Chateau Thierry, 

13-19 
Cutry 72; 76 



D 



Damery 27 

Damviilers 301 ; 376 

Danger on battlefields 494 

Dannejeu Farm 58 

Dannevoux 324; 325; 378 

Delaware troops — 

29th Division. See, Twenty-ninth 

Division". 
78th Division. See, Seventy-eighth 
Division". 

Dendre River 471 ; 480 

Denterghem 465 

Dickele 474 



600 



INDEX 



Dickman, Maj. Gen. Jos. T., 

20; 162 543-45; 550 

Dijon Cemetery 585 

District of Columbia troops — 

29th Division. See, Twenty- 
ninth Division". 

41st Division. Historical 
sketch ;^. .. 564 

42nd Division. See, "Forty- 
second Division". 

79th Division, See, Seventy- 
ninth Division", 

Bell, Maj. Gen. George, Jr., 322 ; 
432; 546; 560. 
Divisions, composition and strength 

of 579 

Dommartin .. 431 

Donmartin 207 

Doncourt 209 

Dormans 27 ; 48 

Douaumont, Fort, 512 ; 515 ; 517 ; 

519. 

Doulcon 292 

Drama of the Marne 9-151 

Dravigny 134; 140 

Dricourt 425 

Dugan, Brig. Gen. Thos. B., .. 561 
Duncan, Maj. Gen, Geo. B,, 147 ; 

389 ; 566 ; 570. 
Dun-sur-Meuse. 295 



Eclisfonlaine .. .. 409 

Ecurey 375 

Edwards, Maj. Gen. C. R., 2 ; 93 ; 

205 ; 298. 
Eighth Corps, commanders and 

insignia . . * 547 

Eighth Division — Historical 

sketch 553 



Eightieth Division — 

Historical sketch insignia, and 
commanders 5 

Meuse-Argonne 3 

81st Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and i 
commanders . . . . . . 5 

Meuse-Argonne 3 

82nd Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and I 
commanders 5 

Meuse-Argonne 3 

St. Mihiel Salient 1 

83rd Division — 

Historical sketch and insignia. 5 
84th Division- 
Brief historical sketch f 

85th Division — 

Historical sketch and insignia. 5 
86th Division — 

Historical sketch and insignia , 5 
87th Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and I 

commanders 5 

88th Division — Historical sketchi 

insignia and commanders . . 5 
89th Division- 
Historical sketch, 
commanders 

Meuse-Argonne. . 

St. Mihiel Salient. 
Eix. . . 

Elastic defense", Gouraud's . 
Ely, Maj. Gen. Hanson E., 4 

552. 

End of Great Drama 4 

Epieds.. 

Epilogue , . . . . 4 

Epinonville.. .. 4 

Erwin, Brig. Gen. James B., 552 ; 5 

Escaufort 4 

Esnes 281 ; 5 

Essey-et-Maizerais .. .. 191 ; 1 
Essomes 4 



insignia am 



28( 



INDEX 



601 



trayes Ridge 299 

ain 301 

ricourt 448 

ivezin 191 

ermont 258; 339; 410 

morieux Farm 410 

be .. .. 468; 469; 471; 481 



I 

ison, Brig. Gen. Samson L . , . 557 

rnsworth. Ma], Gen. Chas. S., 

m I 463. 

rme de la Madeleine . . 275 ; 373 

Ith Corps, commanders and 

insignia 545 

:th Division — 

r^istorical sketch, insignia and 
commanders . . . . . . 552 

Vleuse-Argonne.. . . .. ,, 286 

5t. MihielSalient .. .. .. 181 

St American Army, St. Mihiel 

Salient 1 62 

st Army, commanders and 

nsignia , . . . 543 

st American Corps, assuming 

actical command 44 

st Division — 
^antigny fight . , . . .... 3-9 

historical sketch 



commanders 
(Vlarne Salient . 
jVleuse-Argonne 
:5t. Mihiel Salient. 



insignia and 
. . . ' . . 548 
69 ; 72 ; 76-84 
. . . 258-262 
. .. 197-202 



st encounters with enemy . . 2-9 
mes, 133; 140; 141 ; 147; 504 

rncs Cemetery 585 

mette 133-134 

ibas 299; 301; 375 

Igler, Maj. Gen. C. A. F.. . . 565 

ury 514 

villc 308; 390; 394 



Florida troops — 

31st Division. Historical 

sketch . . 558 

81st Division. See, Eighty-first 

Division". 
Hay.Maj.Gen.Wm.H., .. 431 
Summerall, Maj. Gen. Chas. P., 
69; 197; 258; 545; 547. 
Foltz, Brig. Gen. Fredericks .. 576 
Fond-de-Ville-aux-Boix . . 283 : 284 

Foret de— 

Argonne, 215-16; Dieulet, 401 ; 405 

Dole, 124; F^re, 47; 98; 106 

Jaulgonne, 106 ; Jaulnay, 270 ; 271 

401 ; la Montagne, 170; 207 

Nesles. 119; 120; 123; 138 ; Ris 

106; 108; Villers-Cotterets, 72 

85 ; Woevre. 297 ; 406 ; 

Foret du Bois-Ie-Pretre .. 175; 179 

Foret des Vencheres . . . . 1 79 ; 1 80 

Forest Farm . . . . . , . . . 426 

Fort Douaumont, 512 ; 515 ; 517-19 

FortVaux .. ..512; 513; 517-19 

Forges 324 

Forges Creek 280 ; 323 

Fortieth Division- 
Historical sketch, insignia and 
commanders 563 

Forty-first Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and 
commanders . . . . . , 564 

Forty-second Division — 

Champagne Front . . . . . 60-63 
Historical sketch, insignia and 
commanders . . . . . . 564 

MarneSalient 113-123 

Meuse- Argonne 347 

St. Mihiel Salient 193-197 

Fossoy 5 1 ; 1 05 

Four Zube 358 

Fourth Corps commanders and 
insignia 545 



602 



INDEX 



Fourth Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and 
commanders . . . . . . 550 

Marne Salient, 70 ; 99- 1 03 • 124-129 

Meuse-Argonne 278 

St. Mihiel Salient 203 

Fresnes-en-Woevre, 386 ; 433 ; 530 ; 
585. 

Fronts on which Americans 



fought 



487 



General Headquarters Insignia. 547 

General Order, Armistice . . . . 413 
Generals commanding Armies, 

Corps and Divisions 543 

Georgia troops — 

31st Division. Historical 

sketch 558 

42nd Division. See, ' Forty-se- 
cond Division". 
82nd Division. See, Eighty-se- 
cond Division". 
Erwin, Brig. Gen. James B., 552 ; 

577. 
McRae, Maj. Gen. Jas. H., 365; 
567. 
German offensives, various 

(Footnote) 10 

Germont 369 

Gesnes. .. 316 ; 317 ; 410-11 

Ghent 463 

Givry . . 94 

Gland 48 ; 49 ; 50 ; 59 

Gobert valley 32 

Gordon, Mai. Gen. W. H., ^ 547 ; 552 
Gouraud's Elastic defense" .. 61 

Grandpre 361-2 ; 366-7 

Grimaucourt 387 

Guillaine Farm 448 

Guillemont Farm 441 



H 

Haan, Maj. Gen. Wm, G„ 1 10 ; 135 ; 
315; 546. 



315 ;545. 
HalerMaj.Gen.H.C, 
HalleB 



554 
405 
364 
296 



1 laiies . . . . 
Haraucourt. . 

Haraumont 

Harbord, Maj. Gen. Jas. G 

Hartennes 88 

Hattonchatel. .. 201 ; 208; 531 

Hattonville 171; 201; 202 

Haumont 299 ; 431-2 

Hautecourt 386 

'01 



Hautevesnes ^. 

Hants Foumaux 432 

Hay, Maj. Gen. Wm. H., . . . . 431 

Herbebois . . . . . . . . 301 ; 302l 

Hericourt Cemetery . . . . . . 585 

Hermelgem 47/ 

Hersey, Maj. Gen. Mark L., 278 ; 551 

Heurne ..468; 46< 

Heuvel 471 ; 47/ 

Hills— 

Champagne : 
167. page 425. 

Marne Salient : 
123, page 30; 142, page 30; 190i 
page 109 ; 193, pages 94-95 ; 204l 
pages 34; 39; 220, pages 119[), 
137; 223. page 59; 230, pag( 
138; 139; 241, page 59. 

Meuse-Argonne ; | 

182, pages 362; 395 ; 204, page 41 1 
206, page 349 ; 216, page 293 ; 223 
pages 308; 390; 391 ; 392; 231' 
page 340; 236, page 274; 24^'' 
page 308; 250, page 274; 2561 
page 344; 258, page 318; 262 
page 292; 263, pages 260; 412 1 
265, page 346; 274, page 373 
275. page 385 ; 285, page 356 I' 
288. page 350; 304, pages 527 



INDEX 



603 



28 ; 338, page 311; 360, pages 

}0 ; 301 ; 378, page 375. 

/. Mihiel Salient : 

36, page 189 ; 327, page 180. 

es, Maj. Gen, John L., 203 ; 278 ; 

44; 551. 

torical sketches of Divisions . 548 

vze, Maj. Gen. Robert L., 545 ; 

50 ; 563. 



1 



ho troops— 

1 St Division. Historical sketch, 
insignia and commanders . . 564 

1st Division. See, Ninety-first 
Division". 

tiois troops — 

5rd Division. See, Thirty-third 

Division". 
2nd Division. See, Forty-second 

Division". 
6th Division. Historical sketch 

and insignia 572 

8th Division. Historical 

sketch and insignia . . . . 573 
Gallon. Maj . Genv Chas. C., 435 ; 546 
Cameron, Maj. Gen. Geo. H., 70; 

162; 229; 278; 545; 551. 
IaIe,Maj.Gen.H.C.,.. .. 554 
Barbord, Maj. Gen. Jas. G., 34 ; 69 
rwin. Brig. Gen. Geo. Le R., 564 
ylartin, Maj. Gen. Chas. H., 546; 
1 575 ; 577. 
tjcourt 383 

liana troops — 

8th Division. Historical sketch, 
insignia and commanders . . 562 

2nd Division. See, Forty-second 
Division". 

4th Division. Brief historical 
sketch 571 



Bundy, Maj. Gen. Omar. 1 9 ; 546 
Haan, Maj. Gen. Wm. G., 110; 

135 ; 315 ; 546. 
Johnston, Brig. Gen. John S., 560 
Lewis, Maj. Gen. Edw. M., 447 ; 459 

Insignia of : 

Armies 543 

Corps 544 

Divisions 548 

G.H.Q. .. .. 547 

Iowa troops — 

34th Division. Historical sketch, 

insignia, and commanders. 560 
42nd Division. See, Forty-second 

Division". 
88th Division. Historical 
sketch, commanders and 

insignia 573 

Ely, Maj. Gen. Hanson E.. 4; 286; 

552. 
Flagler, Maj. Gen. C. A. F. 565 
Read, Maj. Gen. Geo. W., 438 ; 557 
Irwin, Brig. Gen. Geo. LeR., . . 564 

Is-sur-Tille Cemetery ^^5 

Itineraries of trips to battlefields* , 495 
Ivoirv 343 ; 344 



J 



Jaulgonne 1 06 

Jaulgonne bend 51 ; 59 

Jaulny 188 

Johnson, Brig. Gen, Evan M., 566 ; 

568. 
Johnston, Brig. Gen. John A., . 560 
Johnston, Brig. Gen. John S., . . 560 
Johnston, Maj. Gen. Wm. L., 407 ; 

474. 

Jonc de Mer Farm 445 

Juvigny 143-145; 586 



604 



INDEX 



K 



Kansas troops — 

35th Division. See, Thirty-fifth 

Division". 
42nd Division. Sec, Forty-second 

Division". 
89th Division. See, Eighty-ninth 

Division". 
Barth, Brig. Gen. C.H., .. 553 
Kuhn, Maj. Gen. Joseph E., 370; 
547 ; 568. 
Kentucky troops — 

38th Division. Historical sketch, 

insignia and commanders. 562 
84th Division. Brief historical 

sketch 571 

Allen, Maj. Gen. Henry T.. 177 ; 

402 ; 546-7 ; 575. 
Brown, Brig. Gen. Preston, 272; 550 
Duncan, Maj. Gen. George B,, 147; 

389 ; 566 ; 570. 
McClure, Brig. Gen. Nathaniel F., 

561. 
V/inn, Brig. Gen. Frank L., . . 574 

Kerfautras Cemetery 586 

Kerhuon Cemetery 586 

Kerken , 474 

Kilometer, how to convert into 

miles (Note) 496 

Kleihook . . 475 ; 478 

Kuhn, Maj, Gen. Joseph E., 370 ; 
547 ; 568. 



La Besace 364 

LaChapelle. .. ,. .. 58 ; 59 
La Croix Rouge Farm . . . 98 ; 1 1 4 

Laethem-Ste. Marie 474 

La Ferte-sous-Jouarre, 63 ; 497 ; 586 

LaFilleMorte 356; 528 

La Forge 308 ; 390 



La Forge Farm 26' 

La Fosse Farm 1 08 ; 1 0* 

La Grande Farm 101 

La Grenouillers Farm 10 

La Harazee 35' 

Lahayville 169; 19< 

La Madeleine Farm. . . . 275 ; 37: 

Lamarche 19' 

Lambezellec Cemetery . . . . 58: 
Landres-et-St. Georges, 348 ; 349 

351 ; 352 ; 396. 
Landreville.. .. ,. .. 265 ; 40! 
La Neuville-Le Comte Farm . . 251 

Langres Cemetery 58( 

Lankhof Farm 46^ 

La Nouette.. .. 2( 

L'Arbre de Guise 44.' 

La Remise Farm 10 

La Rotte Farm 44' 

La Rouge Farm 44.' 

La Seigneulles Brook 43! 

Lassiter, Maj. Gen. Wm., . . . 5511 
Last act of Great Drama, Cur- i 

tain descends upon 481 

La Theoderie Fek"m 10(i 

La Tieulerie Farm 10(j 

La Tranchee des Bai'onnettes". 51 

La Tuilerie Farm 26(i 

Launay . . . . 5 

Laversine . . 7 

La Viergette. 36 

La Ville-aux-Bois Farm . . . . 38J 

La Vole Romaine 5 

La Vole Sacree 5 

Le Cateau : 

Operations near .. .. 444; 4 

Trip to 53; 

Le Catelet 44 

LeCharmel 106-10 

Le Charmel Chateau . . . 107-10 

Le Chaume 30 

Lechelle 8i 

Le Chene Tondu, 304 ; 305 ; 306^ 

308 ; 361 ; 362 ; 389 ; 390. 



INDEX 



605 



Grange-aux-Bois Farm ... 58 
jeune, Maj. Gen. John A.. 185 ; 
562 ; 416. 

Mans Cemetery 586 

Mort Homme 518; 519 

Petit Bois 260; 412 

Ru Chailly Farm 51 

! Bons Hommes Farm . . . 123 

i Brusses Farm 96 

i Glairs Chenes 375 

lEparges 168; 170 

1 Franquets Farm 106 

; Jumelles 302 

'sperance 339 

Petites Armoises 369 

anne 270 

anne Gemetery 586 

Thiolet 26; 34 

^aldahon Gemetery . . . . 586 
As, Maj. Gen. Edw. M., 447 ; 459 
gett, Lt. Gen. Hunter, 1 ; 44 ; 
52 ; 229 ; 543. 

ny-en-Barrois 159 

e 539 

ley .. 162 

loges Gemetery 586 

y-devant-Dun 295 

n~devant-Dun 296 

sey 321 

erdun 162 

)st Battalion" 359 

igpont 85 

lisiana troops — 

9th Division. Historical sketch. 563 
2nd Division, See, Forty-second 

Division". 
7th Division. See, Eighty- 
seventh Division", 
lordon, Maj. Gen. W. H., 547 ; 552 
.eieune, Maj. Gen. John A., 185 ; 
185; 262; 416. 

ipmont 168 

ippy. . . 297 



Lucy-Ie-Bocage 32 ; 497 

Lyon , Maj . Gen . LeRoy S . , . . 5 75 



M 



Mac Arthur, Brig. Gen . Douglas . 565 
Machine gunners, American, at 

Ghateau Thierry 13-19 

Madeleine Farm 275 ; 373 

Mahaut, Gamp 523 

Maine troops — 

26th Division. See, "Twenty-sixth 

Division". 
76th Division. Historical sketch. 

565 
Hersey, Maj. Gen., Mark L., 278; 551 

Malancourt 279; 281 ; 370 

Mamelon Blanc Ridge. 327 ; 329 ; 408 

ManheuIIes 387 

Mann, Maj. Gen. Wm. A., . . 563 

Maps, Relief 592 

Marcheville 434 

Marcq 394 

Mareuil-le-Port 59 

Margival 146 

Marie Hill 168 

Marimbois Farm 43 1 

Marine Gorps. See "Second Divi- 
sion", of which the Marines 
formed a part. 
Marne River, crossing by Ger- 
mans 46-60 

Marne Salient defined . . . . 25 

Martin, Maj. Gen. Charles H., 546 ; 

573; 575; 577 

Marvaux . . 296 

Maryland Troops^ 

29th Division. See, Twenty- 
ninth Division". 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
79th Division. See, Seventy- 
ninth D vision**. 



606 



INDEX 



Alexander, Brig. Gen. Robt., 

355 ; 564 

Massachusetts troops— 

26th Division. See, Twenty- 
sixth Division". 
76th Division. Historical 
sketch . .. .. .. .. 565 

Morton, Maj. Gen. Chas. G., 309 
Poore, Brig. Gen. Benj. W., 
298 ; 551 

May-en- Moultien 503 

Mazinghien 445 ; 453 

McAlexander, Brig. Gen.U.G., . 52 
McClure, Brig. Gen. Nathaniel 

F 561 

McGlachlin, Maj. Gen. E.F.Jr . , 543 
McMahon,Mai.Gen.J.E., 181 ; 286 

552. 
McRae, Maj. Gen. James H., 365 ; 567 

Meaux .. 496 

MedeahFarm 418 

Menil-la-Tour Cemetery. , . . 587 

Menoher, Maj. Gen. Chas. T., . 61 ; 

113; 193; 348; 546 

Merignac Cemetery 587 

Mesves Cemetery 587 

MeurcyFarm 117-119; 121 

Meuse-Argonne Offensive- 
Aeroplanes, number em- 
ployed 226 

Argonne Forest described . 215-216 
Artillery, amount employed, . 226 
Enemy Lines of Defense. .. 214 
General Plan of Battle .. .. 221 

General Story 226 

Importance and Characteristics 

of Sector 213 

Montfaucon.. 217; 238-239; 291 

Number of men engaged . . 226 

. Object of attack 220 

kOrisinal plan 211 
. Phases. .. 233 

Plan of Battle. . .. .. .. 221 

Sector assigned to Americans , 219 



Tanks, number used . . . . 22 
Topography of Sector . . 21 6-21 
Trip to Sector.. .. ,. .. 50 

Troops engaged 22 

Vauquois Hill . ■ 21 

Meylegem . . . . 47 

Mezy .. 50; 51; 54-56; 105; IC 
Michigan troops — 

32nd Division. See, Thirty- 
second Division". 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
85th Division. Historical I 

sketch 57 

Muir, Maj. Gen. Chas. H., .. 13 

302 ; 545 ; 55 

Strong, Maj. Gen. F. S., . . . 56 

Milly 29 

Minnesota troops — 
34th Division. See, Thirty- 
fourth Division". 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division *. 
88th Division. Historical 
sketch, commanders and 

insignia 57 

McAlexander, Brig, Gen, U.G., 5 
Mississippi troops — 
39th Division. Historical ' 

sketch 56 

87th Division. See, ' Eighty- 
seventh Division". 
Missouri troops — 

35th Division. See, "Thirty- 
fifth Division". 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
89th Division. See, * Eighty- 
ninth Division". 
Pershing, General John J., see 
page following Frontispiece 

also .. 1- 

Missy-aux-Bois. . , . , 76-7 ; 78 
Molain , .. .. 4' 



INDEX 



607 



lolleville Farm 313 

lonneaux 34 ; 38 

lontana troops — 

41st Division. Historical 

sketch 564 

91st Division. See, ' Ninety- 
first Division". .. .. 

Ion Plaisir Farm. ,. .. .. 430 

lontblainviUe . . . . 303 ; 304 • 365 

lontcourt. . ..... . . . . 29 

lont-devant-Sassey. . , . . . 405 

lontdidier 3 

lontdidier-Aniiens-St. Quentin 

Region 488 

fontfaucon — 

Operations around. 217; 238 ; 239 ; 
241; 343-4; 370-72. 

View from 521 

lontigny 53 

ontlevon 59 

ontmedy 297 

ontrebeau Woods - 258 

ontrefagne Hill 259 

ontremboeuf Farm 89 

ontreuil-aux- Lions . . 1 9 ; 89 
(ont St. Martin. .. .. . 123-4 

ontSt.Pke .. .. 49; 54; 105 

lont St. Remy 425 

ontSec .. .. ..168; 199; 531 

ontzville 520 

ioranville 386 

lort Homme, Le .. ..518; 519 
orton, Maj. Gen. Chas. G., . . 309 
oselle, Operations west of 427-37 

ouilly 1 62-3 

oulin de Champigneulles. . . 363 

oulin de Charlevaux 359 

oulins 56 

ount Kemmel . .457 ; 458 ; 459 

ouzay 296 ; 406 

ouzon 364 

iuir. Maj. Gen. Chas. H., 130 ; 
302 ; 545 ; 556. 

uizon , . . , 1 fjQ 



N 



Nantes Cemetery 587 

Nantillois 273 ; 372 ; 378 

Nauroy 448 

Nebraska troops — 

34th Division. See, * Thirty- 
fourth Division". 
42nd Division. See, "Forty- 
second Division*'. 
89th Division. See, "Eighty- 
ninth Division". 

Nederzwalm 472 

Negro troops. See, 92nd Division". 

Nesles . 139 

Nesle-la-Montagne 14 

Nevada troops— 

91st Division. See, Ninety- 
first Division". 

Nevers Cemetery 587 

New England troops. See, Twenty- 
sixth Division". 
New Hampshire troops — 

26th Division. See, Twenty- 
sixth Division". 
76th Division. Historical 

sketch 565 

New Jersey troops — 

29th Division. See, Twenty- 
ninth Division". 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
78th Division. See, Seventy- 
eighth Division". 
Weigel, Maj. Gen. Wm., . . 573 
Wright, Maj. Gen. Wm. M., . 1 89 ; 
396; 544-6; 561. 
New Mexico troops— 

40th Division. Historical 

sketch 563 

41st Division. Historical 

sketch 564 

89th Division. See "Eighty- 
ninth Division". 



608 



INDEX 



587 



Twenty- 



386 
573 
564 

568 

181: 



457 

327 



Neufchateau Cemetery 
New York troops — 
27th Division. See, 
seventh Division". 
42ncl Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
77th Division. See, Seventy- 
seventh Division". 
78th Division. See, Seventy- 
eighth Division". 
Bailey, Maj. Gen. Chas. J., . . 
Beach, Brig. Gen. Wm. D., . . 

Cole, Brig. Gen. Eli K 

Johnson, Brig. Gen. Evan M., 

566 

McMahon, Maj. Gen. J.E., . . 

286 ; 552. 
O'Ryan, Maj. Gen. John F., . 
440 
Traub, Maj. Gen. Peter E., . . 
Ninetieth Division — 
St. Mihiel Salient .. .. 177-181 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 575 

In Belgium 474 

Meuse-Argonne 402 

91st Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 576 

Meuse-Argonne 407 

92nd Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 576 

Operations west of Moselle . . 435 
93rd Division — 

Historical sketch and insignia 577 
Ninth Corps, commanders and 

insignia 547 

Nonsard 169; 195; 199 

North Carolina troops — 
L 30th Division. See, * Thirtieth 
" Division". 

42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division", 



81st Division. See, Eighty- 
first Division". 
Faison, Brig. Gen. Samson L., 55 

North Dakota troops — 

34th Division. Historical 

sketch .. 56 

41st Division. Historical ! 

sketchy. 56 

88th Division. Historical 
sketch, commanders and 

insignia 57 

Sturgis, Maj. Gen. Samuel D., 

568 ; 57 

Norox-sur-Ourcq 10 

Norroy 17 

Nouart 40 

Noyers Cemetery 58 



o 



Oches 3o 

Offensives, German, various 

(Footnote) 1 

Ohio troops — 

37th Division. See, Thirty- 
seventh Division ' 

42nd Division. See, "Forty- 
second Division". 
83rd Division. Historical I 

sketch . . . . . . . . . 57 

Dickman, Maj. Gen. Jos. T., . 2C 

162; 543-5; 55 

Edwards, Maj. Gen. C.R., 2; 93 

205 ; 29 

Johnston, Maj. Gen. Wm.H., 

407 ; 4/ 

Martin, Brig, Gen. Wm. F., . . 57 

Wittenmever, Maj. Gen. Edmun 

428 ; 55 

Oklahoma troops — 

36th Division. See, "Thirty- 
sixth Division", 



INDEX 



609 



42ncl Division. See, Forty-se- 
cond Division". 

90th Division. See, Ninetieth 
Division". 

Isene 466 

micourt 261 

regon troops — 

41 St Division. Historical sketch 564 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
;91st Division. See, Ninety- 
I first Division". 

trder. Armistice 413 

rnes 301 ; 302 

•Ryan, Maj. Gen. John F., 440; 457 

rfeuil 418 

urcq, crossing of .. .. 116; 130 



mnes , . . . . 1 95 

iris-Metz Highway. . 25 ; 26 ; 30 
iirker, Brig. Gen. Frank . . . . 258 

:roy 56 

issy 57 

snnsylvania troops — 

;28th Division. See, Twenty- 
eighth Division". 

^42nd Division. See, Forty- 

[ second Division". 

j79th Division. See, Seventy- 
ninth Division". 

jSOth Division. See, "Eightieth 
Division". 

IBIssell, Lieut. John T.F., .. 14 

oBurnham, Maj. Gen. Wm.P., 

174; 389; 570 

Famsworth, Maj. Gen.Chas. S., 

341 ; 463 

IFoltz, Brig. Gen. Frederick S., 576 



Liggett, Lieut. Gen. Hunter . 3 ; 

44; 162; 229; 543 

Mann, Maj. Gen. Wm. A., .. 565 

Menoher, Maj. Gen. Chas. T., 61 ; 

113; 193; 348; 546 

Taylor, Major Jas. G„ . . .. 14 

Permanent American Sector . . 1 54 

Pershing, General — 

See page following Frontis- 
piece, and 1-2 

Peuvlllers 320; 321 

Photographic supplies 590 

Pilgrimages to American Battle- 
fields — 

General facts 492-495 

Relief maps of battlefields . . 592 

Souvenirs 590 

Suggestions . . 494 

Transportation, arranging for. 590 

Trips 496 

Warning 494 

PIntheville 434 ; 435 

Pleinchamp Farm 308 

Ploisy 76; 79; 80 

Ploisy Cemetery . . . . 502 ; 587 
Pont-^-Mousson . . . . . . . 1 63 

PontMaugIs 354 

Poore, Brig. Gen. Benj.W., 278; 551 
Port-sur-SelUe 162; 435 

Porto Rico troops — 

81st Division. See, Eighty- 
first Division". 

PouiUy 270; 271; 401 

Fremont 451 ; 538 

Preny 435 

Provlns 20 



Quennemont Farm 441 



610 



INDEX 



R 



"Rainbow Divisinn". See, Forty- 
second Division". 

Raucourt 364 

Ravin cle Chambronne 403 

Ravin de la P^uon 342 ; 408 

Read.Maj.Gen.Geo.W., (Foot note) 

438 ; 557 

ReddyFarm 137; 139 

Refugees from Chateau Thierry. 20 

Regneville 322 

Regnieville-en-Hayc 181 

Regular troops. See 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 
4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Divi- 
sions. 
Reims — 

General facts regarding . . . 505 

Tripsto 509; 529 

Reims-Soissons Hii?hway . .. 125; 

127; 128. 
Regions in which Americans 

fought 487 

Relief Maps 592 

Rerobercourt 430 

Remenauville 1 82 

RemiUy 364 

Remoivllle 297 

Remonville 399 

Resson Farm 1 40 

Reuilly 57 

Reville 375 

Revillon 148 

Rhode Island troops — 

26th Division. See, Twenty- 
sixth Division' . 

76th Division. Historical slcetch. 565 

RiaviUe 434 

Ribeauville 453 

Richecourt 162; 163; 199 

Rilly-aux-Oies 426 

Rimaucourt Cemetery . . . . 587 
Riqueval . . . . ". . . . 448 ; 536 
Riqueval Farm 448 



Rock of the Ma me" 

Romagne-sous-Montfaucon . . 

317; 348; 396. 
Romagne-sous-les-Cotes . . 

Romagne Cemetery 

Roman Road 

Roncheres 108-109 

Roosebeke 

Roosebeke Ridge 

Roosevelt, Lt. Queiitin, grave of. 

Rouen Cemetery 

Ruis de Boutasson 

Rupt de Mad River .. ..187 



24' 

3" 
5h 
5) 
13 

5C; 
5t 
% 



Sacred Road .. 51 

St. Agnan 57. 

St Aignan-sur-Bar 2( 

St. Benoit V. 

St.EIoi 4: 

St. Etienne : 

In Marne Salient ^ 

In Meuse-.'Xrffonne Sector .. 42( 
421 ; 423. 
St. Georges . 351; 352; 383; 394 

St.GiUes 1^ 

St.Hilaire 2( 

St. Hilaire-le-Petit 4 

St.Juvin .. .. 361; 383; 394 
St. Maurice River. . . 209 ; 445 ; 4' 
St. Mihiel— 

American divisions operating m 

region 4* 

General facts regarding . . . 5. 
Reduction of Salient . . 1 52-2 

Salient described 155 

Trip to 5- 

St. Nazaire Cemetery 5i 

St. Pierre Aigle 

St.Pierremont 363 ; 3i 

St. Quentin Canal. See, "Schel 
Canal", 



INDEX 



611 



, Quentin-Amiens-Montdidier 

Region 488 

Quentin Canal Tunnel 

(Riqueval) 336 

.Remv !68; 207 

.Soupiet 4-14; 452 

.SoupietCemeterj' 388 

.Thibaut 124-125 

e. Menehould 511 

mbre River 438 

mogneux 310 

ulces-Champenoise 425 

ulmory 405 

ulmory-et-Villefranche . . . . 405 



uix-en 



-W 



oevre , . . . 209 ; 434 

(venay Cemetery 587 

heldt Canal — 

Operations around . . . . , 438 

Trip to c 535 

heldt Canal Tunnel (Riquevol) 536 
ott,Bri?.Gen.Wm.S.,.. .. 564 
cond Army — 

ZommcLnder and insignia . . 543 
Jperations West of Moselle 427-37 
:ond Corps, commander and 

insignia 544 

cond (2nd) Division — 

\t Chateau Thierry .. 26; 30 

distorical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 549 

vTame Salient . . 69 ; 72 ; 84-92 

le use-Argonne 262-272 

)rdered to Chateau Thierry . . 19 
;t.MihielSahent .. .. 185-89 
^ith French west of Ar^jonne. 41 6 
tors in which Americans fought 487 

an 353 ; 364 

rheprey 2 

e River 450; 454 

eeal Farm 271 

?>' 116-118 

eux Farm 410 

inges 119 

n?es Cemeter, 588 



Sermoise 1 50 

Senoncourt Cemeterj' 588 

Seventh Corps, conmianders and 

insignia .. 546 

Seventh (7th) Division — 
Flistoncal sketch, insignia and 

commanders 553 

Operations west of Moselle 428-430 
Seventy-sixth Division — 

Brief historicalsketch .. .. 565 
77th Division — 
; Historical sketch, insignia and 

i commanders 566 

{ Meuse-Argonne 355 

I Vesle Sector 147-48 

78th Division — 

Histori'Cal sketch, insignia and 

commanders 567 

Meuse-Argonne 365 

78th Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 567 

Meuse-Argonne 370 

Sibert. Maj . Gen . \^ rn . L ., . . . 548 

Sivry 379 

Sivry-les-Buzancy 383 

Sivry-sur-Meuse . . . . 325 ; 326 
Sixth Corps, commanders and 

insignia 546 

Sixth (6th) Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 552 

Smith, Maj. Gen. Wm. R 422 

Soissons : 

General facts regarding . . . 50 1 

Trips to 500 ; 504 

1 Soissons-Chateau Thierry High- 
way 88 

Soissons-Reims Hiffhway. 125; 127; 

128 
Soissons-Villers-Cotterets-Paris 

Highway 76-79; 89 

i Solferino Farm ... '--. 



612 



INDEX 



^ Sommauthe 384 

Sommelans 1 02 

Somme-Py . .. .. .. .. 416 

Sommerance. 260 ; 348 ; 349 ; 35 1 ; 352 

Sorcy-sur-Meuse 1 62 

Sorny . . . . 1 45 ; 1 46 

Souilly Cemetery 588 

South Carolina troops — 
30th Division. See, Thirtieth 

Division". 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
81st Division. See, Eighty- 
first Division". 
Parker, Brig. Gen. Frank 258 ; 548 
South Dakota troops — 

41st Division. Historical sketch, 

insignia, and commanders . 564 
89th Division. See, Eighty- 
ninth Division". 
Sturgis, Maj. Gen. Samuel D., 568 ; 

573 

Souvenirs, War 590 

Spada 1 68 

Spincourt 376 

Spitaals Bosschen . 474 ; 475 ; 476 

Steenbrugge 474 

Stenay 401 ; 406 

Stonne 364 

Strength of Divisions 579 

Strong, Maj. Gen. F.S 563 

Stuivenbrughe, . . . 475 ; 477 ; 478; 
Summerall, Maj. Gen. Chas. P., . 69 ; 
197; 258; 545; 547. 

Suippes 422 

Suresnes Cemetery 588 

Surmelin Valley 52-56 

Sy 353; 369 

Synghem 472 



Talma Hill 



3( 



Tailly 

Talence Cemetery 



400 
588 



Tannay 353 ; 3( 

Taux I 

Tennessee troops — | 

30th Division. See, Thirtieth 

Division". 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
82nd Division. See, Eighty- 
second Division". 
Smith, Maj. Gen. Wm.R., .. 42 

Terny-Sorny .. .. 145-^ 

Texas troops — 

36th Division. See, Thirty- 
sixth Division". 
42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
90th Division. See, Ninetieth 

Division". 
Buck, Maj. Gen. Beaumont B., 27, 
550 ; 560. I 

Howze, Maj. Gen. Robert L., 54 

550; 563; 
Scott, Brig. Gen. Wm.S., .. 5^ 

Theinte River 3 

Thenorgues 3 

Thiaucourt . ..169; 186-88; 1 

Thiaucourt Cemetery 

Thiaumont, battle of 

Thielt 

Third Army, commanders and 

insignia 

Third Corps, commanders and 

insignia 

Third (3rd) Division — 

At Chateau Thierry 

Defending passages of the 

Marne ..46t 

Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 

Machine gunners at Chateau 
Thierry .. .... 13 

Marne Salient 104-1 

Meuse-Argonne . . . , 272 j.,, 



INDEX 



613 



Ordered to Chateau Thierry . 1 9 
Withdrawn from Marne SaHent 1 1 3 
hirtieth Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 557 

In Belgium 459 

In Scheldt Canal-Sambre region 

438-44 ; 447-55 
Operations around Ypres 459-62 
1st Division — 

Brief historical sketch . . . . 558 
2nd Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 558 

Marne Salient . .. 110; 135-47 

Meuse-Argonne 315 

3rd Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 559 

Meuse-Argonne . . . . 322-27 
Opera^'ons west of Moselle. 432-35 
4th Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 560 

5th Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 
commanders. .. .. .. 560 

Meuse-Argonne 327 

Bth Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 561 

With French west of Argonne 

422-26 
7th Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 562 

In Belgium 463-74 

Meuse-Argonne Offensive 341-47 
3th Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 562 

Hh Division — 

Historical sketch 563 

igny 88; 91 



Torcy 30 ; 32 ; 36 : 94 

Toul Cemetery . . 588 

Tours Cemetery 588 

Tranchee des Baionnettes" . . 516 

Trilport 497 

Trips to Battlefields : 

General facts 492-5 

Relief maps of battlefields . . 592 

Souvenirs . . . 590 

Suggestions 494 

Transportation, arranging for, 590 
No. 1 . Chateau Thierry . . . 496 
No. 2. Chateau Thierry-Sois- 

sons-Chemin des Dames . . 500 
No, 3. Soissons-Chemin des 
Dames-Reims-Chateau Thierry 

504 
No. 4. Chateau Thier ry- Reims - 

Verdun-Argonne Forest . . 509 
No. 5. Chateau Thierry-Reims- 

Verdun-St. Mihiel .. .. 529 
No. 6. Cantigny-Scheldt Canal- 

Le Cateau- Ypres 535 

No. 7. Audenarde Region. . . 540 
No. 8. Audenarde and Ypres 

Regions 542 

Troesnes ] 00 

Tronsol Farm '410 

Trugny. ^ 97 

Twenty-sixth Division — 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 554 

Marne Salient . .. 69; 92-99 

Meuse-Argonne 298 

Seicheprey fight 2' 

St. Mihiel Salient .. .. 205-209 
27th Division- 
Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 555 ' 

Operations around Ypres, . . 456 
Scheldt Canal-Sambre region 438 
28th Division- 
Historical sketch, insignia and 
commanders . . . . , . 556 



614 



INDEX 



Marne Salient . ..57-60; 129-34 

Meuse-Argonne 302 

West of Moselle 430 

29th Division — 

Historical sketch, insignia and 

commanders 556 

Meuse-Argonne , 309 



u 



Units of divisions which were in 

France 579 

Utah troops — 

40th Division. Historical sketch 563 
91st Division, See, Ninety- 
first Division". 



Valdahon (La) Cemetery . . . . 586 

Valenciennes 462 ; 463 

Varennes : 

(In Marne Salient),. ,. ., 56 

(In Meuse-Argonne Sector) . 303 ; 
334 ; 365. 

Vaubecourt Cemetery 588 

Vauquois Hill — 

General facts regarding and 

view from 218; 523 

Ooerations around . . . . 327 ; 329 ; 

330 ; 334 

t Vaux (near Chateau Thierry)37-9; 498 

lVaux.Fort . ..512; 513; 517-19 

iVaux-Andigny 452 

Waux-Chamoagne 425 

589 

5;'89 

107 



Vaux-sur-Somme Cemetery 

Vauxcastille 

Vente Jean Guillaume 

Verdun— * 

General facts regarding , 
Hotels 



51 



1-12 

517 



Number of men killed . . . . 511 

Side trips from 51- 

Trips to 509; 52<. 

Verdun Cemetery 58*. 

Vermont troops — 

26th Division. See, Twenty- 
sixth Division". 

76th Division. Historical sketch 

Verpel 

Verrieres 

Verte Feuille Farm , . , , 85 

Very 335; 336; 

Vesle, crossing of , 11-13; 124- 

Veuilly-le-Poterie 

Victory Message , 

Viergette, La 

Vierstraet Ridge 

Vierzy 8! 

Vieville-en-Haye. 169; 178-9; 183; 
Vieville-sous-les-Cotes 

Vigneron Farm 

Vigneulles ,. ,. 171; 197; 

Vilcey-sur-Trey 

Villardelle Farm 

Villemontry 

Villers, (Marne Salient) , . 
Villers (St. Mihiel Salient). . . 
Villers-Cotterets Forest. , . 72 
Villers-devant-Chaumont . 
Villers-devant-Dun ,, .,404; 
Villers-devant-Mouzon . . 

Villers-Tournelles 

Villome 

Vilosnes .... . 295 ; 296 ; 
Vionville 428 

Virginia troops — 

29th Division, See, Twenty- 
ninth Division". 

42nd Division. See, "Forty- 
second Division". 

80th Division. See, * Eightieth 
Division". 

Lyon, Maj . Gen . Le Roy S . , . . 575 



565 
3841 
3691 
; 87: 
409' 
148 
29 
413 
361 
459 
5-91 
195 
209 
271 
201 
179 
109 
271 
148 
180 
; 85 
302 
405 
364 
589 
140 
379 



INDEX 



615 



^Isits to Battlefields. 
See, Pilgrimages to American 
Battlefields". 

^ittel Cemetery 589 

^oie Romaine 511 

^oie Sacree 512 

^oormezeele 458 ; 462 

^osges Area 487 



W 



^^aalem 475 ; 478 

^adelinecourt 262 ; 354 

*7aereghem 474 

(^aereghem Cemetery . . . . 589 

:^anneghem 467 

^armonterne 271 

Earning to visitors to battlefields. 494 
(■'ar Souvenirs .. .. ,. .. 590 
i^ashington troops — 
41st Division. Historical sketch 564 
91st Division. See, Ninety- 
first Division". 

^assieu 283 

/atronville 162; 163 

7eigel, Mai. Gen. Wm., . . . . 573 

/erniforet 385 

/est of Argonne with the Fiench. 

415-26 

/est of Moselle, Operations 427-37 
7est Virginia troops — 
38th Division. Historical sketch 562 
80th Division. See, "Eightieth 

Division". 
83rd Division. Historical sketch 571 
Hines, Maj. Gen. John L., .. 203; 
278 ; 544 ; 551 
'here Americans fought in France 

and Belgium 487 

'inn, Brig. Gen. Frank L., .. 574 
isconsin troops — 
,32nd Division. See, "Thirty- 
second Division". 



42nd Division. See, Forty- 
second Division". 
85th Division. Historical sketch 572 
Bamford, Brig. Gen. Frank E., 258 ; 
298 ; 548 

Boardm.an, Brig. Gen. Chas.R., 558 
MacArthur, Brig. Gen. Douglas,565 
McGlachlin, Maj. Gen. E.F.Jr., 

543 
With French west of Argonne. 415-26 
Wittenmeyef, Maj. Gen. Edmund 

428 ; 553 
Wood, Maj , Gen . Leonard . . . 1 90 

Wortegem 478 

Wright, Maj. Gen. Wm.M., .. 189; 
396; 544-6; 561. 

Wj'oming troops — 

4ist Division. Historical sketch 564 
91st Division. See, Ninety- 
first Division". 
Wytschaete Ridge ..- .. .. 459 



X 



Xammes 1 92 



Yoncq.. .. 261 ; 385 

Ypres — 

General facts regarding . . , 539 
Operations around . . . 456-62 
Trips to.. .. .535; 539; 542 



Z 



Zero Hour, meaning (Footnote). 5 
Zwartenbroek 474 



TV" 



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MAP. No. I 



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MAP Ho. 2 




Maps bHonelng to, "AMERICA IN B^TTLE-with guide to the 



See page 592 ol book ("AMERICA IN BATTLE") for 
description of these maps of the American battlehelds 
reproduced in relief. 



MAP No 5 




.naColoncl H-rr,».How^na. U => a™.',, K« « C".;f o„. P.ris. 
Luropean distributors . ^^"^^ g^jma publishing Co.. Mefiasna, Wisconsin. 



See page 592 of book ("AMERICA IN BATTLE") for 
description of these maps of the American battlefields 
reproduced in relief. 



RELIEF MAPS 

OF 

THE AMERICAN BATTLEFIELDS 

Visit the Souvenir Shop, 11, Rue de Castigllone. Paris, and 
see these maps of the American battlefields reproduced m relief 
by the same new. patented process that was employed to make 
the relief maps used during the War by the French and American 
Armies. They show life-like, the hills, valleys, streams, woods, 
roads, towns, trenches, and other features of the ground over 
which the Americans fought in France and Belgium. 






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from the scheldt to the sambre 

SEPT 29_0CT.I9, 1918 . 



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MAP N. 5 




Miips b.-loiicinu in. ■■AMKRICA IN HATTLH-with guide to the 
American battlefields in France and Belgium ', by Colonel Jas A Mo^s 
aiiJ IJoloiR'l Hany S. HowlunJ. V. S. Aimy Cot>yrighUd t$20. Kuropcan 
disti'ibutors : Souvenir Shop, n, Rue de Castighone Pans American 
distributors : Geo. Bantn I'ublishing Co., Menajlia, Wisconsin. 



See page 592 of book ("AMERICA IN BATTLE") for 
description of these maps of the American battlefields 
reproduced m relief. 



k V- *'i 



LIBRARY OF CONGRES 




